Biopsy

Types of Biopsy Procedures: Incisional, Excisional, and Needle Biopsy

A biopsy is when a pathologist removes cells or tissues for pathological examination. There are many different types of biopsy procedures.

The most common types include:

• Incisional biopsy: in which only a sample of tissue is removed
• Excisional biopsy: in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed
• Needle biopsy: in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. The procedure is referred to as a core biopsy when a wide needle is used. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. (source: cancer.gov)