A biopsy removes a small piece of tissue for testing in a lab. It is used to help diagnose infections, cancer, and various other diseases. Biopsies use a variety of ways to obtain tissue. The procedure chosen depends on access to the tissue. It also depends on how sensitive the organ is.
Some biopsies simply require a needle puncture.
Some may require surgery. Still others may involve passing a long flexible scope into the body. This way an internal site can be seen without major surgery. After tissue is removed, it is sent to a lab where technicians view it under a microscope or perform other tests. An aspiration biopsy draws out tissue by suction.