Biopsy

April 1, 2026

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Vijay Trisal, M.D., surgical oncologist and chief clinical officer for the City of Hope^® system.

A biopsy is an important step in diagnosing cancer. It helps doctors determine the presence and type of cancerous cells in the body. By removing and examining tissue samples, health care providers gain vital information that guides treatment decisions.

Understanding what a biopsy involves may ease anxiety and prepare patients and their families for the procedure. 
 

What Is a Biopsy?

A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from a suspicious area in the body, such as a lump or tumor, to be tested in a laboratory. This sample may consist of tissue, fluid, bones, cells or other materials. Patients might also hear the sample called a specimen. Biopsies help doctors diagnose conditions such as cancer, which is almost always confirmed in this way.

How a sample is removed depends on the location of the abnormal area and the type of suspected cancer. For example, skin biopsies are relatively simple and differ significantly from brain biopsies, which require more specialized techniques.

Sometimes, a biopsy may require surgery to remove part or all of an abnormal area or entire organ. These are typically performed by surgeons. In other cases, a small sample of a tumor may be taken using a hollow needle or an endoscope (a flexible, lighted tube inserted into the body). These less invasive biopsies might also be performed by surgeons or other types of doctors.
 

Types of Biopsy

Bone Marrow Biopsy: This biopsy is used to diagnose blood-related cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. A needle is inserted into the hipbone or another large bone to extract bone marrow samples.

Core biopsy: A large needle is used to remove a small cylinder of tissue, known as a core. This method is commonly used for breast biopsies. It may be used for any tumor the doctor is able to feel from the surface, as well as those only visible on imaging.

Liquid biopsy: This involves taking a sample of blood or another body fluid to look for cancer cells or pieces of DNA from tumor cells. It is a less invasive method used to detect cancer and monitor treatment.

Excisional (surgical) biopsy: In this type, all or part of a lump or suspicious area is removed. The exact approach depends on whether the tumor is located near the skin or deeper in the body.

Needle biopsy: A thin needle is used to extract tissue or fluid from a suspicious area. It includes fine needle aspiration (removing a small amount of tissue) and core needle biopsy (removing a core of tissue).

Shave biopsy: This technique involves shaving off the top layers of skin using a blade. It is typically used for skin conditions and lesions.

Sentinel node biopsy: This is used to determine if cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. The sentinel lymph node, the first node to which cancer cells are likely to spread, is identified, removed and examined.

How Long Does a Biopsy Take?

The duration of a biopsy procedure varies, depending on the area being biopsied and whether preparation or anesthesia is needed. Simple procedures like a skin or needle biopsy may often be performed in a doctor’s office or clinic and might only require local anesthesia.

More complex biopsies, such as those involving internal organs like the liver or lungs, take longer. These procedures may be performed in a hospital or specialized facility and could require detailed imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans, to ensure accuracy while the needle is gently placed in the suspicious area.

Surgical biopsies, which involve removing a larger section or an entire lump, may also take longer. These procedures often require general anesthesia and a recovery period afterward, extending the overall time spent at the hospital or surgical center.

Regardless of the type, the patient’s health care team will provide specific instructions and timelines, based on the biopsy being performed.
 

Does a Biopsy Hurt?

The amount of pain, if any, that patients experience during a biopsy varies, depending on the type and location of the procedure. Many biopsies involve little to no pain due to the use of local or general anesthesia.

Local anesthesia is often used to numb the area for simpler procedures like an excisional or needle biopsy. This is when a provider injects a small amount of anesthetic to numb the area. Patients might feel a slight sting from the anesthetic injection, but typically not any significant pain.

More invasive procedures, such as surgical biopsies in the chest or abdomen, generally involve general anesthesia, meaning the patient will be asleep and will not feel any pain during the procedure.

In some cases, like bone marrow biopsies, the procedure might cause more discomfort. However, doctors use local anesthesia and, if needed, sedatives to help minimize pain and anxiety.

Some people may experience a small amount of bleeding, bruising or soreness for a few days after a biopsy. The patient’s care team provides instructions on how to manage this. Patients should not take any pain relievers that their health care provider has not approved because some may increase the risk of bleeding from the biopsy site. 
 

How Long Do Biopsy Results Take?

The time it takes to receive biopsy results may vary depending on the type of biopsy and the complexity of the analysis required. It typically takes five to seven days, but results may take longer if additional testing is needed.

However, some other types of biopsies may take longer. For instance, a bone marrow biopsy often involves multiple tests on the sample. As a result, it may take several days to a few weeks to get comprehensive results.

Factors that may influence the time it takes to get results include the need for special stains or tests, the workload of the pathology laboratory and the need for second opinions from other experts. If a biopsy is particularly complex, the pathologist may consult other experts to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The health care provider will communicate with the patient about the expected timeline for biopsy results and explain the findings, once they are available.