Thoracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid from the space around the lungs. That space is called the pleural space, between the lung and the chest wall. It is commonly used to evaluate or relieve a pleural effusion (a fluid buildup). In cancer care, it can support diagnosis, staging workups, and symptom relief.

CSF cytology is a laboratory test that looks for abnormal cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In oncology, CSF cytology is commonly used when clinicians suspect cancer has involved the lining of the brain or spinal cord. It can also support diagnosis and staging in some blood cancers that may spread to the central nervous system.

Lumbar puncture is a medical procedure used to access the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is sometimes called a spinal tap. Clinicians use it to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing or to deliver medication into the CSF. It is commonly used in neurology and in oncology when cancers may involve the central nervous system.

Bone marrow aspirate is a small sample of liquid bone marrow removed through a needle. It is most commonly used to evaluate blood cancers and other conditions that affect blood cell production. The sample helps clinicians study cells under a microscope and run specialized laboratory tests. It is often done alongside a bone marrow core biopsy, which collects a small piece of solid marrow.

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.