What is the difference between a biopsy and a resection?

A biopsy is a procedure primarily aimed at obtaining a small sample of tissue for diagnostic examination, typically to determine the presence or absence of disease, such as cancer. This process allows for microscopic analysis of the tissue, which aids healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions and deciding on further management options. The focus is on retrieving enough tissue while minimizing the extent of surgery, which is why it generally involves removing only a portion of the target area, rather than a whole organ.

This distinguishes a biopsy from a resection, which involves the surgical removal of a larger section of tissue or an entire organ, often for therapeutic reasons rather than solely for diagnosis. Resections are performed when there is a need to remove diseased tissue, tumors, or organs that are causing significant health issues, rather than for diagnostic investigation.