When they invade and cross boundaries from one type of tissue to another, the cancer is now directly extending into the new tissue. It has invaded something by direct extension . The spread is distant from the site of origin anatomically. A biopsy in which the entire suspect tissue mass is removed for diagnostic purposes. Commonly done when the excision is minimally invasive to the patient.
Examples are removal of skin lesions and many breast biopsies.
By passing the needle back and forth through the area of concern, cells are obtained which may then be analysed. It does not preserve the native architecture of the tissue. This is the normal body of the individual who has the cancer. Sounds inappropriate in some ways but that is the way it is used. The patient's immune system is working properly.