• 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.