It involves a piece of tissue being removed from the tumour, and examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells.

The tissue is examined by a pathologist – someone who is expert in identifying the changes in body tissue caused by disease. This microscopic study of tissue confirms or rules out a diagnosis of cancer.

The type of biopsy used is dependant on where the tumour is located and what sort of cancer the doctor is looking for.

Some biopsies you might come across:

• Core needle biopsy - removes small but solid samples of tissue using a hollow "core" needle
• Fine needle biopsy - a very thin needle is passed into the affected area to remove a small tissue sample
• Open surgical biopsy - a large mass or lump is removed during a surgical procedure. This is normally performed in an operating room under general anaesthetic, although local anaesthetic is also sometimes used.
• Shave biopsy – Used in some cases to diagnose skin cancer. Performed with a small scalpel blade.
• Incisional biopsy – When only a sample of the suspicious lesion or cyst is removed.
• Excisional biopsy – When the entire lesion or cyst is removed.