Definition:
A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the extraction and examination of tissue samples from the body to diagnose the presence, cause, or extent of a disease. It is a critical diagnostic tool, especially in the identification of cancer and other pathological conditions. Biopsies can be performed using various techniques, depending on the location and nature of the suspected disease.
Etymology & Origin:
The term “biopsy” derives from the Greek words “bios” meaning “life” and “opsis” meaning “view” or “sight.” Therefore, it literally translates to “view of the living,” reflecting the procedure’s purpose to observe living tissue for medical diagnosis. The concept emphasizes the direct examination of living cells to understand and identify disease processes.
Examples:
- A skin biopsy can determine the nature of a suspicious mole, helping to diagnose or rule out skin cancer.
- Needle biopsies are minimally invasive procedures used to sample cells from organs like the liver or lungs for examination under a microscope.
- During a surgical biopsy, a surgeon may remove a larger section of tissue or even an entire lump for detailed analysis to provide a definitive diagnosis.
