Biopsy, how and why?

The term biopsy indicates the removal of tissue from a living body for diagnostic microscopic examinations. Biopsy is the most accurate and appropriate of all diagnostic histologic procedures. Without biopsy, accurate diagnosis of lesions is impossible. Biopsy procedures should be performed whenever a definitive diagnosis cannot be established by common clinical examinations. The purpose of taking a biopsy is to distinguish different lesions with similar clinical or radiographic features or diagnosis of malignancies. This article presents different types of biopsies, indications, contraindications and common problems in biopsy procedures. Key words: Aspiration, Biopsy, Cytology, Excisional, Incisional, Punch.