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.

FNA stands for fine-needle aspiration. It is a sampling technique that uses a thin needle to collect cells from a lump, mass, or lymph node. The collected cells are examined under a microscope to help clarify what the abnormal area represents. FNA is commonly used in oncology and related specialties when a new finding needs a tissue-based diagnosis.

Fine needle aspiration is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small sample of cells using a thin needle. It is commonly used to evaluate lumps or abnormal areas in organs like the thyroid, breast, and lymph nodes. The collected cells are examined by a pathology team to help explain what the tissue change might represent. In cancer care, it is often part of the diagnostic workup and planning process.

Core needle biopsy is a procedure that removes small cylinders (“cores”) of tissue from a lump or abnormal area. It is commonly used to help diagnose cancer and other conditions by allowing a pathologist to examine tissue under a microscope. It is often performed with imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or CT, to target the correct area. It is typically done as an outpatient procedure in radiology, breast clinics, or surgical and oncology settings.

A Biopsy is the removal of a small sample of cells or tissue for medical testing. It is most often used to help diagnose cancer and other conditions that change tissue structure. The sample is examined by a pathologist using microscopy and specialized laboratory tests. Biopsy is commonly used in oncology clinics, hospitals, imaging departments, and surgical settings.

RANO criteria are standardized rules used to evaluate how brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors respond to treatment. They help clinicians describe whether a tumor is improving, stable, or worsening based on imaging and the patient’s clinical status. RANO criteria are most commonly applied in neuro-oncology, especially for gliomas and other primary brain tumors. They are also used in research studies to make results more comparable across hospitals and trials.