Bone marrow biopsy is a test that removes a small sample of bone marrow for laboratory examination. Bone marrow is the soft, blood-forming tissue inside certain bones. This test is commonly used in cancer care and blood disorders to help explain abnormal blood counts or symptoms. It is most often performed in hematology-oncology clinics and hospitals.

Stereotactic biopsy is an image-guided method for taking small tissue samples from an abnormal area. It uses computer-assisted coordinates to target a precise location inside the body. It is commonly used in breast care (especially for calcifications seen on mammograms) and in neurosurgery for brain lesions. The goal is to obtain tissue for diagnosis while limiting how much tissue is disturbed.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a way to take a small tissue sample using ultrasound imaging to guide the needle. It is used to help diagnose cancer and other conditions by examining cells or tissue under a microscope. It is commonly used for lumps or lesions in the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, liver, and other soft tissues. It is typically performed in outpatient imaging or clinic settings, depending on the body area and patient needs.

CT-guided biopsy is a needle biopsy performed using computed tomography (CT) images to guide the needle to a specific target. It is used to collect a small tissue or cell sample for laboratory testing. It is commonly used for hard-to-reach lesions in the lung, liver, adrenal gland, kidney, bone, and deep lymph nodes. It supports cancer diagnosis and treatment planning when imaging alone cannot confirm what a mass is.

Image-guided biopsy is a way to take a small tissue sample using real-time medical imaging to guide the needle. It helps clinicians sample a specific spot that may be difficult to feel or reach by touch alone. It is commonly used when imaging shows a mass, enlarged lymph node, or suspicious change that needs a diagnosis. It is used across cancer care, including breast, lung, liver, prostate, bone, and lymph node evaluation.

Endoscopic biopsy is a way to collect small samples of tissue using a thin, flexible camera called an endoscope. Clinicians use it to look inside organs such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, lungs, or bladder and take tissue for testing. The main goal is to help diagnose cancer or other conditions that can mimic cancer. It is commonly performed in outpatient endoscopy units and hospital settings.

Shave biopsy is a skin biopsy technique that removes a thin layer of tissue from the surface of the skin. It is commonly used to diagnose suspicious or changing skin lesions, including possible skin cancers. The sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. It is most often performed in outpatient dermatology and primary care settings.

A Punch biopsy is a minor procedure used to remove a small, round sample of tissue. It is most commonly used to sample skin, but it can also be used on some mucosal surfaces. The sample is examined under a microscope to help identify cancer, precancer, or other conditions. It is typically performed in an outpatient clinic setting.

Incisional biopsy is a biopsy method where a clinician removes a small portion of a suspicious area for testing. It is commonly used when a lump, mass, or lesion is too large or complex to remove completely at the first procedure. The main goal is to obtain enough tissue for an accurate diagnosis. It is often used in cancer care for solid tumors and certain skin, soft tissue, and bone lesions.

Excisional biopsy is a biopsy method where a clinician removes an entire visible or palpable abnormal area of tissue for testing. It is most often used to diagnose (and sometimes fully remove) a small lump, skin lesion, or lymph node. The removed tissue is examined by a pathologist to determine whether cancer, precancer, infection, or another condition is present. Excisional biopsy is commonly discussed in cancer care because it can provide a complete tissue sample for accurate diagnosis.