US Medical Term · tests
Biopsy
Biopsia
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Biopsy |
| Spanish (Español) | Biopsia |
| Chinese (中文) | 活體組織切片 |
| Korean (한국어) | 생검 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Sinh thiết |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Biopsy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Biópsia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตัดชิ้นเนื้อตรวจ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 生検 |
What it means
A biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor removes a small piece of tissue or cells from your body so a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. Biopsies are used to diagnose cancer, infections, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions that cannot be confirmed by blood tests or imaging alone. The method varies by location: a needle biopsy uses a hollow needle to extract tissue, an incisional biopsy removes part of an abnormal area, and an excisional biopsy removes the entire area. Local anesthesia is usually given to numb the site. Results typically take several days to a week. A biopsy provides the most definitive diagnosis available.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor wants to do a biopsy of a lump they found — what will the procedure feel like?
Mi médico quiere hacerme una biopsia de un bulto que encontró — ¿cómo se sentirá el procedimiento?
How long will I have to wait for my biopsy results to come back?
¿Cuánto tiempo tendré que esperar para que lleguen los resultados de la biopsia?
Will the biopsy area be sore after the procedure, and what care do I need?
¿La zona de la biopsia estará adolorida después del procedimiento y qué cuidados necesito?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026