A biopsy is a procedure in which your doctor removes a cell or tissue sample from your body. Then, a pathologist checks the sample under a microscope for signs of disease or other problems, such as cancer. In this video, learn how a biopsy works, what to expect, and whether they’re painful.
References
American Cancer Society. (2023). How is a biopsy done?
MedlinePlus. (2017). Biopsy.
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). NCI dictionary of cancer terms — biopsy.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MDMandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She is co-executive director at Nonclinical Physicians Network and has served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.
