Autopsy vs. Biopsy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 27, 2023
An autopsy is a post-mortem examination of a body to determine the cause of death, while a biopsy is the removal of tissue from a living body to diagnose disease. Both are medical procedures.
Difference Between Autopsy and Biopsy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Autopsy and Biopsy are both vital medical procedures that serve distinct purposes in the field of medicine. An autopsy, commonly known as a post-mortem examination, is performed on a deceased body. It seeks to determine or confirm the cause of death, often aiding in medical, legal, or investigative scenarios. Biopsy, in contrast, involves removing tissue or cells from a living person to diagnose or study diseases, especially cancer.
Autopsies can provide insights into unknown diseases, genetic conditions, or the effectiveness of treatments. They serve a broader purpose, as they may study the entire body or specific organs to ascertain a cause of death. Biopsies are more targeted, focusing on a particular area where abnormality or disease is suspected, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and informing potential treatment options.
Autopsy results can significantly benefit public health by detecting contagious diseases or environmental toxins. This post-mortem examination can also be instrumental in legal cases, potentially indicating foul play or natural causes in sudden deaths. On the other hand, biopsies play a pivotal role in the early detection of diseases, especially cancers. Their outcomes directly impact treatment plans, potential interventions, and the overall prognosis for the patient.
In summary, while both autopsy and biopsy are crucial for advancing medical knowledge and patient care, their primary distinction lies in their application: autopsies analyze the deceased, while biopsies focus on diagnosing and understanding diseases in the living.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Determine cause of death
Diagnose or study diseases
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Performed On
Deceased body
Living body
Scope
Whole body or specific organs
Specific tissue or cells
Significance in Medicine
Insights into diseases, treatments, and genetic conditions
Early disease detection, especially cancer
Legal and Public Health Role
May indicate natural causes or foul play, detect contagious diseases
Not typically used for legal purposes, mainly diagnostic
Compare with Definitions
Autopsy
Autopsy is a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
The autopsy revealed that he died of natural causes.
Biopsy
Biopsy is the removal of tissue to diagnose or study diseases.
The doctor recommended a biopsy to determine if the lump was cancerous.
Autopsy
Autopsy results can benefit public health and detect contagious diseases.
The autopsy confirmed the patient had been infected with a new strain of flu.
Biopsy
Biopsy outcomes influence treatment plans and patient prognosis.
Based on the biopsy, a specific treatment regimen was suggested.
Autopsy
Autopsy may encompass the entire body or specific organs.
The forensic team conducted a partial autopsy, focusing only on the chest area.
Biopsy
Biopsy is a diagnostic tool predominantly for living individuals.
The patient underwent a biopsy to diagnose the unexplained skin condition.
Autopsy
An autopsy (post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death or to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for research or educational purposes. (The term "necropsy" is generally reserved for non-human animals).
Biopsy
Biopsy is essential for early disease detection, especially in cancer.
The biopsy results showed the presence of malignant cells.
Autopsy
Examination of a cadaver to determine or confirm the cause of death. Also called necropsy, postmortem, postmortem examination.
Biopsy
Biopsy focuses on specific tissues or cells where disease is suspected.
A liver biopsy was done to check for signs of liver disease.
Autopsy
A critical assessment or examination after the fact
A post-election campaign autopsy.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist. The process involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease.
Autopsy
To subject to an autopsy.
Biopsy
The removal and examination of a sample of tissue from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
Autopsy
A dissection performed on a cadaver to find possible cause(s) of death.
The autopsy revealed he had died of multiple bullet wounds.
Biopsy
A sample so obtained.
Autopsy
An after-the-fact examination, especially of the causes of a failure.
Biopsy
To remove (tissue) from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
Autopsy
(rare) An eyewitness observation, the presentation of an event as witnessed.
Biopsy
The removal and examination of a sample of tissue, cells, or bodily fluid from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
We will need to perform a biopsy to determine whether the tumour is malignant or benign.
Autopsy
(transitive) To perform an autopsy on.
Biopsy
To take a sample (a biopsy) for pathological examination.
They biopsied the lump but it turned out to be non-cancerous.
Autopsy
(transitive) To perform an after-the-fact analysis of, especially of a failure.
Biopsy
Examination of tissues or liquids from the living body to determine the existence or cause of a disease
Autopsy
Personal observation or examination; seeing with one's own eyes; ocular view.
By autopsy and experiment.
Autopsy
Dissection of a dead body, for the purpose of ascertaining the cause, seat, or nature of a disease; a post-mortem examination.
Autopsy
An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
Autopsy
Perform an autopsy on a dead body; do a post-mortem
Autopsy
Autopsy aids in medical, legal, or investigative contexts.
The autopsy results were crucial for the police investigation.
Autopsy
Autopsy can provide insights into diseases, treatments, or genetic conditions.
The autopsy showed a rare genetic condition that contributed to her early death.
Common Curiosities
What is an Autopsy?
An autopsy is a post-mortem examination of a body to determine or confirm the cause of death.
What is a Biopsy used for?
A biopsy is used to remove tissue from a living body to diagnose or study diseases, especially cancer.
Is an Autopsy performed on living individuals?
No, an autopsy is performed on deceased bodies.
Why are Autopsies important in medicine?
Autopsies provide insights into diseases, treatments, genetic conditions, and can benefit public health.
Can a Biopsy detect cancer?
Yes, a biopsy is a primary method for diagnosing cancer by examining tissue under a microscope.
How soon are Biopsy results typically available?
Biopsy results can vary but are typically available within a few days to a week.
What do Autopsies reveal?
Autopsies can reveal the cause of death, insights into diseases, genetic conditions, and more.
How is a Biopsy performed?
A biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue, which is then examined under a microscope.
Can an Autopsy detect previously unknown diseases?
Yes, autopsies can identify undiagnosed conditions or diseases that contributed to death.
Why might a doctor order a Biopsy?
A doctor might order a biopsy if there's a suspicion of disease, especially to diagnose or rule out cancer.
Can an Autopsy be refused by the family?
In most cases, yes, unless it's legally mandated, such as in cases of suspicious deaths.
Is a Biopsy painful?
Some discomfort might be felt, but pain levels depend on the biopsy's location and type.
What are the risks associated with a Biopsy?
Risks can include bleeding, infection, and pain, but they vary depending on the biopsy type and location.
Can Autopsies assist in legal investigations?
Yes, autopsies can provide crucial information in legal cases, indicating whether a death was due to natural causes, accidents, or potential foul play.
Are Autopsies performed on all deceased individuals?
No, autopsies are typically performed based on specific criteria or if the cause of death is unknown.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
