Sometimes it is necessary to take a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope in order to diagnose an illness.

 

Biopsy

A biopsy is a portion of a lump, mole or other affected tissue that is removed for examination. Sometimes, the whole lump, mole etc is removed (excision biopsy).

 

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

A fine needle is inserted into the affected area and some cells are sucked up for examination.