What type of procedure is a biopsy?

A biopsy is classified as a minor surgical procedure. It involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the body for diagnostic purposes, typically to determine the presence of disease, such as cancer. The procedure is generally performed using local anesthesia and does not require extensive surgical intervention, distinguishing it from major surgeries that involve significant incisions and longer recovery times.

Biopsies can be done in various ways, including needle biopsies, where a thin needle is used to extract tissue from a specific area, or through small incisions if a larger tissue sample is needed. While the context may vary, a biopsy is typically less invasive compared to major surgical procedures, and it allows for accurate diagnosis without the extensive risks associated with larger surgeries.

Non-invasive tests and imaging scans are related but do not involve taking tissue samples; instead, they may use imaging techniques to visualize internal structures without surgery.