Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A biopsy in which only a sample of the suspicious tissue is cut from a mass (incised) and removed for purposes of diagnosis. A incisional biopsy is in contrast to an excisional biopsy in which an entire lesion, usually a tumor, is removed.

A surgical procedure in which an entire abnormal area is removed for diagnostic examination under a microscope.

A common procedure for sampling the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Endometrial biopsy is usually done to learn the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, although it may be used to determine the cause of infertility, test for uterine infections, and monitor the response to certain medications. The main problems resulting from endometrial biopsy are cramping…

A procedure in which a sample of a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the presence of cancer. The sample is suctioned out through a needle or removed surgically. A breast biopsy may be done in a doctor’s office, outpatient facility, or hospital operating room. The setting depends on the size and location…

A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed and sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope. In a brain biopsy, a small sample of brain tissue is removed to help diagnose certain conditions such as brain tumors or lesions on the brain. One way a brain biopsy  may be done…

The removal of a sample of bone marrow and a small amount of bone through a large needle. Two samples are taken. The first is bone marrow by aspiration (suction with a syringe). The second is a core biopsy to obtain bone marrow along with bone fibers. After the needle is removed, this solid sample…

The removal of a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for cancer cells or other abnormalities.

A biologic feature that can be used to measure the presence or progress of disease or the effects of treatment. For example, prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker for cancer of the prostate.

Magnetic therapy, also called magnetic field therapy and bioenergy therapy, is an alternative therapy that uses magnets of varying sizes and strengths that are placed on the body to relieve pain and treat disease. Thin metal magnets are attached to the body alone or in groups. They can be worn as bracelets or necklaces, attached to adhesive…

The study of biology on a molecular level including the structure, function, and makeup of biologically important molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. The field of molecular biology involves many other areas of biology such as biochemistry and genetics.