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 Breasts
• 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.