The type of procedure used to conduct the Biopsy depends on the location of the tissue that needs to be studied. A Biopsy can be performed using a needle tool, on most of the body parts. It is the least invasive option, allowing the patient to return home on the same day. Imaging guidance with x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI helps the needle to be precisely positioned to find the best site to extract the tissue sample. In places that are hard to reach, a surgical Biopsy may be necessary. This is performed in a hospital operating room.

A surgeon performs Surgery to remove the tissue, necessary for the Biopsy. The surgeon may use a camera-based instrument to help locate the best place for Biopsy and remove the sample of tissue. The surgeon inserts the needle through the skin using imaging guidance. Tissue samples may be removed using one of several methods.

Fine needle aspiration uses a very thin needle attached to a syringe to extract a small amount of body fluid or very small pieces of tissue from the tumor. In core biopsy, slightly larger needles are used. They extract tissue in the shape of a small cylinder. Local anesthesia is used during a core needle Biopsy. In a vacuum-assisted biopsy, the needle is positioned into the tumor. The vacuum device is activated to pull the tissue into the needle, and then the tissue is cut using a sheath. The tissue is then sucked through the needle.