This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.
This page was updated on June 13, 2022.
Your health care provider may recommend a biopsy if an exam or test reveals something suspicious. A common way to diagnose most cancers, a biopsy takes a sample of tissue, fluid or a growth of cells from your body. This sample is then sent to a laboratory to be tested and examined for the presence of cancer or other signs of disease.
Breast biopsies, skin biopsies, bone marrow biopsies and liver biopsies are all common types of biopsies used to determine a cancer diagnosis. Other common biopsy sites include the GI tract, bladder, colon and lymph nodes. A biopsy is the only way to diagnose most cancers. Imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays may be used to help identify abnormal areas, but they can’t differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous cells.During the procedure, your doctor or surgeon will take a small sample of tissue from your body. To perform this procedure, your doctor will:
CT-guided biopsy combines a CT scan with a biopsy, inserting a needle into the body to obtain a tissue sample. The X-ray is used to provide detailed images of the biopsy area, allowing for more accuracy in placing the needle.
MRI-guided breast biopsy uses MRI technology to confirm the location of the tumor, helping the radiologist guide the core needle’s placement into the tumor and remove tissue from the breast.
Depending on the type of biopsy being performed, your doctor may advise you to take additional steps to prepare for your procedure, such as fasting a certain number of hours beforehand or discontinuing medications.
You will also likely be asked to leave jewelry at home and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, or when appropriate, a gown. The procedure may take place in a doctor's office, radiology suite or surgical suite, depending on the type of biopsy being performed.
At City of Hope, your care team will work to deliver results of the pathology report as quickly as possible, so you can make informed decisions about the road ahead. The biopsy results are typically returned in one to three days, depending on the sample and blood tests. Your doctor will thoroughly explain the results to you, and if necessary, recommend follow-up tests or treatments.
If the incision site requires stitches, your care team may have to remove them, usually a week to 10 days after the biopsy.
At City of Hope, we understand the anxiety that comes with any type of diagnostic or cancer treatment procedure. Our team of experts takes the time to discuss with patients each procedure, explaining how it’s performed, any risks involved and answering other questions they may have.
Generally speaking, any procedure that involves cutting into the skin comes with some risk. However, biopsies require only small incisions, especially in needle biopsies, so the risks are typically lower than for more invasive procedures. Risks may include: