Video: What is a biopsy?

October 21, 2025

What You Need to Know

A biopsy is a medical procedure where doctors remove a small piece of tissue or cells to examine under a microscope for signs of disease, including cancer. It can be done with a needle, by removing part of a tumor, or by taking out the entire growth. In bladder cancer, a biopsy often happens during a TURBT procedure, which both diagnoses and removes tumors. This step is essential for confirming cancer and guiding treatment decisions.

View a video about biopsies:

Learn more about bladder cancer by perusing our Glossary of Terms.