AUA Summit - What is a Biopsy?

Advertisement

Centro de recursos Patient Magazine Podcast Donate

Attention: Restrictions on use of AUA, AUAER, and UCF content in third party applications, including artificial intelligence technologies, such as large language models and generative AI.
You are prohibited from using or uploading content you accessed through this website into external applications, bots, software, or websites, including those using artificial intelligence technologies and infrastructure, including deep learning, machine learning and large language models and generative AI.

What is a Biopsy?

A biopsy involves taking a piece of skin or tissue from the body to look at under a microscope. A doctor will see if the tissue contains cancer or other abnormal cells. The results of the biopsy can help determine the next best step in diagnosis or treatment.

How is a Biopsy Done?

A small amount of tissue is taken using a special tool. When the tissue is taken the patient may be given a numbing agent to prevent pain. Sometimes the patient is sedated.

For certain urological diseases, biopsies can be done on the

  • prostate
  • kidney
  • bladder
  • ureter

Biopsies of the prostate or kidney are done with a special needle. The doctor uses ultrasound or a CT scan to guide the needle.

An endoscope (long tube with an attached light) is used for a bladder or ureteral biopsy. The endoscope is inserted through the urethra.

After a biopsy, your health care provider will explain possible symptoms and side effects of the biopsy. After the tissue is taken, it is sent to a pathologist (a doctor who interprets tissue changes caused by disease). The pathologist studies the sample and writes a report for your doctor.

Updated May 2024. 


Explore Further

We're On a Global Mission!

Learn more about our global philanthropic initiatives.

Learn About Clinical Trials

Is a clinical trial right for you? Check out this fact sheet and podcast to learn more about clinical trials and talking with your doctor.