A biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the body for laboratory examination, typically to determine whether cells are cancerous or to diagnose other conditions. Biopsies can be taken from virtually any part of the body using various techniques—needle biopsies, surgical removal, or during endoscopy procedures. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to make a diagnosis. While waiting for biopsy results can be stressful, the procedure provides definitive information that imaging alone cannot, allowing doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment. Most biopsies are minimally invasive with quick recovery.