Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small tissue sample so it can be examined under a microscope.
When to get help quickly: The need for biopsy is not usually an emergency, but urgent timing can matter if the result is needed quickly to guide cancer care, infection treatment, or another serious diagnosis.
Common symptoms
A biopsy is usually done because a scan, lump, swelling, or other abnormal finding needs a clearer diagnosis rather than because the biopsy itself causes symptoms.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when the target is inside the body, difficult to feel, close to important structures, or needs the safest possible needle path.
What radiology does
Ultrasound, CT, mammography, or MRI may be used to guide the needle accurately into the right area.
What usually happens next
The next step depends on the pathology result and may range from reassurance to surgery, medicines, or other specialist treatment.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
Related articles
- How Interventional Radiology Treats Problems Without Big CutsInterventional radiology is where imaging stops being only diagnostic and becomes part of treatment itself.
- Breast Cancer: The Radiology Role and How Care Is PlannedBreast imaging is not just about detection. It also helps guide biopsy, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up.
- Prostate Cancer: The Radiology Role and What Management Often InvolvesImaging has become an important part of modern prostate cancer care, especially when MRI helps decide what needs biopsy and what happens next.
Related scan guides
- Breast Biopsy (Ultrasound/Stereotactic)A breast biopsy uses imaging guidance to sample a suspicious area for pathology, while recognizing that occasional nondiagnostic or discordant results need repeat or surgical biopsy.
- Lymph Node BiopsyA Lymph Node Biopsy takes a small tissue sample from an enlarged or swollen lymph node using ultrasound guidance — a safe, accurate alternative to surgically removing the entire node.
- Lung Biopsy (CT-Guided)A CT-Guided Lung Biopsy samples an abnormal spot or nodule found inside your lungs using real-time CT imaging for precision guidance, avoiding the need for major chest surgery.