What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of tissue samples from the body for the purpose of examining them to diagnose disease. This process is crucial in determining the nature of abnormal growths, identifying cancerous cells, or confirming other medical conditions. The collected tissue can be analyzed microscopically, allowing healthcare providers to gain insights into the presence and type of diseases based on cellular characteristics. Biopsies can be performed using various methods, including needle biopsies, incisional biopsies, or excisional biopsies, depending on the location and type of tissue being sampled.

The other options present different medical procedures that serve distinct purposes. Imaging tests, for example, provide visual representations of internal organs but do not involve tissue sampling. Similarly, surgical procedures that focus on repairing damaged tissues do not encompass the diagnostic function of a biopsy, while blood tests are used for assessing systemic health and detecting infections rather than directly investigating tissue abnormalities.