Biopsy
This is obtaining cells from a lump by using a needle, so that a definitive diagnosis can be given. The cells are looked at by a pathologist under the microscope. The results are therefore not available immediately.
The test is done under Ultrasound or Computed Tomography depending on site of the lump.
A local anaesthetic is usually given first and the the fine needle is passed into the lump to obtain the cells.
