Radiology Practice Test

What is the purpose of a biopsy in imaging?

1. To obtain organ size measurements

2. To visualize blood flow

3. To obtain tissue samples for pathological examination

4. To evaluate structural abnormalities

The correct answer is: To obtain tissue samples for pathological examination

The purpose of a biopsy in imaging is to obtain tissue samples for pathological examination. This process is critical because it allows healthcare providers to diagnose diseases, such as cancer, by examining the cellular structure and composition of the tissue. Pathological examination provides crucial insights into the presence or absence of disease, the type of disease, and the potential behavior of any abnormal findings. By acquiring a small sample of tissue, clinicians can make more informed decisions about treatment options, staging, and prognosis based on the histological characteristics revealed during examination. In contrast, measuring organ size or visualizing blood flow serves different diagnostic purposes that do not require tissue sampling. Evaluating structural abnormalities focuses on imaging features such as the shape, size, or integrity of an organ or structure, rather than analyzing the microscopic features of the cells within that structure. These functions, while essential in a comprehensive diagnostic process, do not directly involve the examination of live tissue at a cellular level, which is the primary aim of a biopsy.