Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue or cells so a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. It is the definitive way to confirm or rule out cancer, identify the exact tumour type and characteristics, and guide the most effective treatment for a suspicious lump, mass or abnormal scan finding.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
A biopsy is the cornerstone of an accurate cancer diagnosis. Imaging such as ultrasound, CT, MRI or mammography can show an abnormal area, but only a tissue sample examined by a pathologist can confirm whether it is benign or cancerous, and if cancerous, the precise type and grade. Depending on the location, a biopsy may be taken with a fine needle, a wider core needle, an endoscope, or by surgically removing part or all of the abnormal area. Image guidance is often used so the sample is taken from exactly the right spot. The results determine the diagnosis and shape every subsequent treatment decision.
At our Comprehensive Oncology Center, international patients are supported by a dedicated coordinator who arranges scheduling, interpreter services and any pre-procedure tests. Where appropriate, our pathologists and oncologists can review your existing scans and prior biopsy slides remotely before you travel, offer a second opinion, and provide a transparent, itemised cost estimate in advance so you can plan your care with confidence.
Who is a candidate?
- A suspicious lump, mass or nodule found on examination or imaging
- An abnormal area seen on ultrasound, CT, MRI, mammography or PET scan that needs a diagnosis
- Confirming whether a growth is benign or cancerous before any treatment
- Identifying the exact tumour type, grade and molecular markers to guide therapy
- Investigating enlarged lymph nodes or an unexplained mass of unknown origin
- Re-sampling to assess change, recurrence or response after treatment
What happens
- 1
Preparation
The team reviews your imaging and blood tests, and explains which biopsy technique suits your case. Blood thinners may need to be paused. For most biopsies you can eat normally, but fasting and an escort home are required if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned.
- 2
Positioning and anaesthesia
You are positioned to give the best access to the target area. For most biopsies a local anaesthetic numbs the skin and tissue; deeper or more complex sites may use sedation or general anaesthesia for your comfort.
- 3
During the procedure
Using image guidance such as ultrasound or CT where needed, the doctor takes one or more samples with a fine needle, a core needle, an endoscope or by surgical excision. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. The sample is carefully labelled and sent to pathology.
- 4
Immediate aftercare
Pressure is applied and the site is dressed; stitches are used only for surgical biopsies. You are observed briefly and can usually go home the same day with simple wound-care and activity advice.
- 5
Afterwards & results
Mild soreness or bruising at the site is normal and settles within days. The pathologist analyses the tissue, and standard results are typically ready within several days to a week; specialised molecular or genetic tests may take longer. Your oncologist explains the diagnosis and discusses the next steps and treatment plan with you.
Benefits
- Provides a definitive diagnosis that imaging alone cannot
- Confirms or rules out cancer, avoiding unnecessary treatment when benign
- Identifies the exact tumour type, grade and molecular markers
- Guides personalised, targeted treatment decisions
- Often minimally invasive with same-day discharge
- Enables expert pathology and multidisciplinary review of your case
Risks & considerations
- Mild pain, soreness or bruising at the biopsy site
- Minor bleeding, usually self-limiting with pressure
- Small risk of infection at the sampling site
- Occasionally an inconclusive sample requiring a repeat biopsy
- Site-specific risks such as a small chance of pneumothorax with a lung biopsy
- Reactions to sedation or general anaesthesia where used, monitored throughout
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Radiology & Imaging.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Biopsy — frequently asked questions
Most biopsies are done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed and you feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Deeper or more complex biopsies can be done under sedation or general anaesthesia. Mild soreness afterwards usually settles within a few days.
No. A biopsy is done to find out whether an abnormal area is cancerous or benign. Many biopsies confirm that a lump is harmless. When cancer is present, the biopsy also identifies the exact type so treatment can be tailored to you.
Standard pathology results are usually ready within several days to about a week. Specialised molecular or genetic tests can take longer. Your oncologist explains the findings and the recommended next steps once results are complete.
For the great majority of modern, image-guided biopsies the risk of spreading cancer is extremely low and is far outweighed by the benefit of an accurate diagnosis. Your team uses techniques designed to minimise this risk.
Yes. Our pathologists and oncologists can review your imaging and prior biopsy slides remotely before you arrive, provide a second opinion, and confirm whether a further biopsy is needed and which type, so your visit is planned efficiently.
The cost depends on the biopsy technique, the use of image guidance or anaesthesia, and the laboratory tests required. After a remote review of your case we provide a transparent, itemised personalised estimate before you travel, with no hidden fees.
Related treatments
Considering biopsy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.