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 served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.
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