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.