What is a biopsy used for?

A biopsy is a medical procedure specifically designed to obtain a tissue sample from the body for diagnostic purposes, particularly to determine the presence of cancerous cells. The primary goal of a biopsy is to provide definitive evidence about whether a particular lesion or abnormality is malignant or benign. This is crucial not only for confirming a cancer diagnosis but also for informing subsequent treatment decisions.

In addition, a biopsy may involve various techniques, such as needle aspiration, excisional biopsy, or punch biopsy, depending on the location and type of tissue being examined. The analysis of the tissue sample under a microscope allows pathologists to identify cancerous cells, assess the type of cancer, and evaluate how aggressive it may be, which are essential components in developing an effective treatment plan.

The other options, while they do relate to cancer management or research, do not accurately describe the primary function of a biopsy. Assessing treatment effectiveness, measuring cancer prevalence, and monitoring side effects of treatment are all important aspects of cancer care but fall outside the direct purpose of conducting a biopsy. Thus, the correct use of a biopsy is centered around obtaining a tissue sample for cancer diagnosis.