Final answer:
A biopsy is a procedure where tissue is removed for lab analysis, usually to diagnose cancer. It is the definitive method for diagnosing cancer, determining the type of cancer, and its stage. Surgical intervention may follow based on the biopsy results.
Step-by-step explanation:
A biopsy is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of a tissue specimen for analysis in a medical laboratory, usually to diagnose conditions such as cancer. There are different types of biopsies, including Punch and excisional biopsies, each of which is selected based on the specific circumstances and location of the suspected pathology. These procedures allow pathologists to examine tissue samples microscopically and provide a definitive diagnosis of cancer by identifying the type of tissue involved, such as carcinoma or sarcoma, and the stage of the disease. A biopsy may also be utilized when less invasive tests suggest the presence of cancer, as in the case of prostate cancer which might be indicated by an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Surgery is a common treatment for cancer, with the goal of removing the tumor and any affected lymph nodes.