Biopsy and Cytology Tests

Signs and symptoms a person is having or the results of imaging or other tests might suggest cancer, but usually a biopsy (or sometimes a cytology test) is needed to know for sure.

A diagnosis of cancer is nearly always made by a pathologist – a doctor with special training to look at samples of cells or tissues under a microscope. They may also do tests on the cells’ proteins, DNA, or RNA to help tell if there’s cancer or to learn more about the cancer. If cancer is found, the results of these tests can also sometimes help determine the best treatment options.

Tests of cells and tissues can find many other kinds of diseases, too. If you are waiting on biopsy results, it’s important to know that not all lumps are cancer.

How Is a Biopsy Done?

A biopsy is a procedure used to take out a sample of a lump, tumor, or other suspicious area to be tested in a lab. Learn more here.

How Is a Cytology Test Done?

Diagnosing diseases by looking at single cells and small clusters of cells is called cytology or cytopathology. Learn more here.

How Biopsy and Cytology Samples Are Tested for Cancer

After a biopsy or cytology sample is taken, it must be prepared in a lab and then tested by a pathologist. Learn more here.

Waiting for Your Biopsy or Cytology Test Results

Waiting to hear about lab test results can be very stressful, and sometimes it can take a while to get the results back. Learn more about the reasons for delays.

Understanding Your Pathology Report

When you have a biopsy, a pathologist will study the samples and write a report of the findings. Get help understanding the medical language in your report.