A biopsy is an examination of tissue removed from a living body. This is done to discover the presence, cause, extent, or treatment of a disease. There are various types of biopsies: Incisional biopsy, excisional biopsy, punch biopsy, fine needle aspiration cytology, frozen section biopsy, brush biopsy, exfoliative cytology, core needle biopsy, suction assisted core needle biopsy and laser biopsy.

The procedure for each biopsy will differ. The first thing the doctor will do is choose the area that looks the most suspicious. Afterward, the doctor will apply a local anesthetic to make sure the patient does not feel pain. The doctor will pass a suture through the sample to prevent it from being moved by the suction. Depending on how big or small the lesion is, the doctor might have to sample several areas.