Biopsy

Definition: A biopsy is any procedure where a piece of tissue is removed from the body for examination. Most people think of biopsies as a way to detect cancer. This is one major use of the procedure, but biopsies can also be used to detect other conditions where, in order to perform an accurate diagnosis, tissue must be examined microscopically. For example, a biopsy for celiac disease looks for typical changes in the intestinal villi.