A biopsy is the removal of tissue from any part of the body to examine it for the disease. Some may remove a small tissue sample with a needle while others may surgically remove a suspicious nodule or lump.
A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose most cancers. Imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays can help identify areas of concerns, but they can’t differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous cells. Biopsies are typically associated with cancer. Doctors use biopsies to test whether abnormalities in your body are caused by cancer or by other conditions.