Common Biopsy Specimens

Tissue samples — also called biopsy specimens — usually come from one of the organs or organ systems listed below and help us diagnose common diseases.

Type of biopsy

Possible reasons for biopsy

Breast
  • Breast cancer
  • Fibrocystic disease
  • Breast duct papilloma
Prostate
  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia
  • Prostate cancer
Lung
  • Lung cancer
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Pneumonia
Uterus/cervix/ovary
  • Cervical cancer
  • Endometriosis
  • HPV (human papillomavirus)
  • Ovarian cancer
Colon and stomach
  • Colon and stomach cancer
  • Colon polyps
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
Skin
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
Bone marrow/blood/lymph node 
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Anemia
Thyroid
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis
  • Thyroid cancer

 

>> If you are looking for information about a biopsy or condition that is not listed above, please visit our Health Library.

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