• Question: What is a biopsy?

    Asked by issiphee1 to Iain, Jo, Leo on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Leo Garcia

      Leo Garcia answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      A biopsy is a medical test of a small sample of cells or tissues, which can tell scientists whether or not disease is present there – and, if so, what kind of disease. It is used in cancer diagnosis. It is, however, painful and invasive, so ways of improving methods of diagnosis without resorting to biopsy are very much sought after. It’s what I am working on in my research!

    • Photo: Iain Moal

      Iain Moal answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      A biopsy is the removal and examination of tissue. For example, if someone had a suspicious lump and the doctor thought it needed looking at, he would cut it out and send it for analysis.

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