Does Biopsy Mean Cancer?

Doctors will perform a biopsy procedure to sample tissue and test for cancer. “Biopsy” refers to this surgical/testing procedure; the results of a biopsy.

A biopsy is a procedure in which cells or tissues are removed for examination by a pathologist. 

There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types of biopsies include:

• Incisional biopsy
  • Only a sample of tissue is removed
• Excisional biopsy
  • An entire lump or suspicious area is removed
• Needle biopsy
  • A sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle
  • A core biopsy uses a wide needle
  • A fine-needle aspiration biopsy uses a thin needle 
• Image-guided biopsy
  • For areas deeper inside the body, a needle is guided into a location using an imaging technique:
    • Ultrasound
    • Fluoroscopy
    • Computed tomography (CT) scan
    • X-ray
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Vacuum-assisted biopsy
  • Uses a suction device to collect a tissue sample through a specially designed needle
  • May be image guided
• Shave biopsy
  • A sharp tool is used to remove tissue from the skin’s surface
• Punch biopsy
  • A sharp, circular tool is inserted into the skin to remove a sample from below the skin’s surface
• Endoscopic biopsy
  • Used to take a biopsy from inside of the body, including the bladder, abdomen, joints, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• Laparoscopic biopsy
  • Used for the abdomen
  • Similar to an endoscopic biopsy
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
  • Removes a sample of bone marrow fluid with a needle.
  • Used to diagnose blood disorders or blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma
• Liquid biopsy
  • Tests blood samples for cancer
  • This is a newer technique

A biopsy is a common procedure used to diagnose cancer when it is suspected. It is usually recommended if a doctor finds something abnormal during a physical exam or other tests. 

A biopsy means cancer is suspected, but only the results of the biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy may help diagnose cancer but it can also rule it out.