Biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from a living body for examination under a microscope. It is usually done to diagnose or rule out cancer, as well as other conditions that affect the tissues of the body.

Tissues taken from a living body

Biopsies are done on tissues taken from a living body. This is because the purpose of the biopsy is to examine the tissue and determine if there are any abnormalities or signs of disease. Tissues from a dead body are not suitable for this purpose as the tissue would have started to deteriorate and may not provide accurate results.

Types of biopsies

There are several types of biopsies, including:

1. Needle biopsy: This involves inserting a thin needle into the tissue and removing a small sample.

2. Endoscopic biopsy: This is done using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end. The endoscope is inserted into the body through a natural opening or a small incision, and the tissue sample is removed using a special tool.

3. Surgical biopsy: This involves making a small incision in the skin and removing a sample of tissue. This type of biopsy is usually done under anesthesia.

Uses of biopsy

Biopsies are done for a variety of reasons, including:

1. To diagnose cancer: Biopsies are commonly used to diagnose cancer. The tissue sample is examined under a microscope to determine if there are cancerous cells present.

2. To diagnose other conditions: Biopsies can also be used to diagnose other conditions that affect the tissues of the body, such as infections, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.

3. To monitor treatment: Biopsies can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for certain conditions, such as cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from a living body for examination under a microscope. It is usually done to diagnose or rule out cancer, as well as other conditions that affect the tissues of the body. Biopsies are done on tissues taken from a living body, and there are several types of biopsies that can be done depending on the location of the tissue and the reason for the biopsy.