Which technique is used to obtain a sample of tissue for analysis in oncopathology?

In oncopathology, obtaining a tissue sample for analysis is crucial for diagnosing cancer and understanding its characteristics. The technique that is specifically designed for this purpose is a biopsy. A biopsy involves the removal of a small amount of tissue from a living organism, which is then examined microscopically to look for cancerous cells and determine the type of tumor present.

Biopsy can be performed using various methods, such as needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, or incisional biopsy, depending on the nature of the lesion and the location within the body. This provides definitive information about the tissue architecture and cellularity, which are vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

While techniques like endoscopy and cytology are also valuable in diagnosing diseases, they have different applications. Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of internal organs and can sometimes facilitate the collection of biopsy samples, but it is primarily a diagnostic tool rather than a means to obtain tissue samples specifically. Cytology involves the examination of cells from fluid or aspirates and is useful in identifying certain conditions, but it does not provide the architectural context of tissue that a biopsy does. Blood tests, while essential in oncologic evaluations, do not offer direct information about tissue structure and are generally used to assess systemic effects or identify markers