Biopsy Procedures

Information about a sentinel lymph node biopsy and what to expect during and after the surgery.

Core needle biopsy is a biopsy method that uses a needle to sample abnormal areas in various parts of the body.

Fine needle aspiration is a biopsy method that uses a very thin needle to sample abnormal areas in various parts of the body.

Incisional or excisional biopsies are types of surgical biopsies that, through an incision in the skin, remove an area of abnormal tissue to be evaluated by a pathologist.

Information about stereotactic biopsy, also known as a stereotactic core needle biopsy, is done to get a tissue sample of a suspicious lesion, or abnormality, felt on a physical exam or seen on a radiology scan.

An ultrasound guided needle biopsy is a medical test used to learn more about a lesion or mass.

An overview of why a bone biopsy may be needed, how it is done, and what you can expect afterward.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are tests to check how your bone marrow is working or to check if you have cancer cells. This article details what bone marrow is, how a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are done, why they may be needed, and instructions for after the procedure.

A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a procedure used to access the cerebrospinal space to either obtain spinal fluid for testing or to infuse medication.

A thoracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid from the pleural space.

A paracentesis is a procedure in which excess fluid from the abdominal cavity is removed using a needle.