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Medical glossary

Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for testing. In leukaemia, a bone marrow biopsy is often done together with an aspiration.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Gloved hands holding two sterile packaged bone marrow biopsy needles
Figure 1.Bone marrow biopsy needles

01Short answer

In a bone marrow biopsy, a small core of bone and marrow is usually taken from the hip bone. Aspiration shows the liquid part, while the biopsy shows the tissue's structure: how packed the cells are and whether there is scarring. It is done under local anaesthetic, sometimes with a mild sedative. The site may ache for a few days afterwards. Results can take a few days.

02Simple explanation

A small piece of tissue.

From the hip bone.

Shows structure.

Under local anaesthetic.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a biopsy is the removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Difference from aspiration

A biopsy takes tissue; an aspiration takes liquid.

A stained bone marrow biopsy section under the microscope, with bone and densely packed cells
Figure 2.A biopsy sample under the microscope

Afterwards

Keep the site clean and dry; call if there is bleeding or fever.

The hip bone
Figure 3.The hip bone — Biopsy

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Difference from aspirationA biopsy takes tissue; an aspiration takes liquid.
AfterwardsKeep the site clean and dry; call if there is bleeding or fever.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Trephine biopsy
A bone marrow core biopsy.
Pathologist
A doctor who examines tissue.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Does it hurt?

An anaesthetic is used; you may feel pressure or brief pain at some moments.

When will results come?

Usually within a few days.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does it hurt?

  2. When will results come?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: biopsy
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: bone marrow aspiration
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: human leukocyte antigen
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: CAR T-cell therapy
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: petechiae
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: gene
  9. MedlinePlus Genetics. Help Me Understand Genetics: The basics
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Philadelphia chromosome
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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