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 and Possible Reasons for a 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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