What is the purpose of a biopsy in cancer diagnosis?

The purpose of a biopsy in cancer diagnosis is to involve the removal and examination of tissue to determine the presence of cancer. This process allows for a definitive diagnosis by allowing pathologists to analyze the cellular structure and characteristics of the tissue sample.

During a biopsy, the pathologist can identify whether the cells are malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) based on histological examination. This is critical because the treatment approach and prognosis can vary significantly depending on whether the tumor is cancerous or not. A biopsy provides the most conclusive evidence for diagnosing cancer, as imaging studies and other tests may provide supportive information but cannot definitively confirm the presence of cancerous cells in tissue.

The other options focus on different aspects of cancer evaluation but do not provide the definitive tissue diagnosis that a biopsy offers. For instance, visual examination of tumor size may indicate growth but does not determine malignancy. The assessment of blood for cancer markers can suggest the presence of cancer but is not conclusive. Similarly, imaging helps locate tumors but does not involve the examination of actual tissue samples.