Biopsy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Biopsy?
A pathologist, a doctor who studies tissue under a microscope, examines the sample. A surgeon takes the sample in a surgical biopsy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A biopsy is a procedure that removes cells or tissue from your body. A pathologist looks at it under a microscope to check for damage or disease. The sample is a small piece of tissue. The pathologist may also do other tests on it. Biopsies can be done on all parts of the body. There are several different types of biopsies. A needle biopsy removes tissue with a needle passed through your skin to the site of the problem. Other kinds of biopsies may require surgery.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A biopsy is most often done to look at tissue for disease. In most cases, a biopsy is the only test that can tell for sure if a suspicious area is cancer. Biopsies are done for many other reasons too.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your provider about any medicines you take, including herbs and supplements.
- You may be asked to stop taking some of them for a while.
- Blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are among them.
- Do not stop or change your medicines without first talking to your provider.
- Ask your provider about the specific type of biopsy you are having.
What happens during it
There are many types of biopsies, and not all use a needle or surgery. The steps depend on the type.
- A needle biopsy uses local anesthesia, medicine that numbs the area.
- A core biopsy removes slivers of tissue using a hollow needle.
- An open biopsy is surgery with local or general anesthesia.
- An endoscopic biopsy uses an endoscope, a thin tube with a light and a camera.
- A skin biopsy removes a small amount of skin.
With a needle biopsy, you may feel some discomfort at the site of the biopsy. Local anesthesia is injected to lessen the pain.
Recovery
Open biopsies are often done as outpatient procedures, so you may not need to stay overnight. After an open biopsy, the cut is stitched or glued shut.
Risks and side effects
Risks of a biopsy include bleeding and infection. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Who performs it
In a surgical biopsy, a surgeon cuts through the skin to remove the sample. In a needle biopsy, your provider uses the needle to remove the tissue sample. A pathologist checks the sample in the lab.
Common questions
Does a biopsy always mean cancer?
No, a biopsy does not always mean cancer. An abnormal result may mean a disease such as cancer, but it depends on your biopsy.
Does a biopsy hurt?
A needle biopsy may cause some discomfort at the site, but numbing medicine is injected to lessen the pain. An open biopsy uses local or general anesthesia, so you do not feel pain.
What does an abnormal biopsy result mean?
An abnormal biopsy result means the cells or tissue look unusual in shape, size, or condition. A normal result means the tissue removed is normal.
Do I need to stay overnight for a biopsy?
You often do not need to stay overnight after an open biopsy.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Before a biopsy, tell your provider about any medicines, herbs, and supplements you take. You can also ask your provider for more information about the specific type of biopsy you are having.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Biopsy
- MedlinePlus - Biopsy (Medical Encyclopedia)
- American Cancer Society - How Is a Biopsy Done?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
