Final answer:
A biopsy is the removal and examination of tissue to diagnose diseases, like cancer. It's done by pathologists and involves microscopic analysis, with procedures like Pap smears being common examples. Histology is the study of the cells and tissues involved in this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of biopsy involves the surgical removal of a tissue specimen for further analysis in a medical laboratory. This is commonly done to diagnose cancer. A pathologist, a medical doctor trained to recognize disease processes in tissue samples, examines the cells microscopically. This examination can reveal the presence and type of cancer, which is essential as different cancers require different treatment approaches. For instance, within lung cancer, there are subclasses like small-cell and non-small-cell carcinoma, which each have distinct prognoses and treatments.
A common type of biopsy is known as a Pap smear, which is routinely used to check for cervical cancer. During this procedure, a doctor collects a small sample of cells from the cervix, which is then analyzed by a cytotechnologist. After staining the cells, they are examined under a microscope for any abnormal growth or signs of infection, which could indicate cancer or other issues.
Overall, the biopsy and subsequent cellular analysis play a crucial role in diagnosis and management of diseases, including cancer. The study of cell shape and arrangement, known as histology, helps derive accurate diagnoses that are essential for appropriate patient care and recovery planning.