The biopsy analysis process begins after the treating physician takes a sample of the suspicious tissue or cells using various methods depending on the location of the sample (such as needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, or endoscopic biopsy). The sample is immediately sent to the pathology laboratory for preservation and preparation for microscopic examination. In the lab, a pathologist or a specialized lab technician performs the initial processing of the sample, which may include fixing it in a special solution (like formalin) to preserve its cellular structure and prevent decomposition. After that, the sample goes through several stages including: processing (removing water and replacing it with a substance like paraffin), sectioning (cutting the paraffin-embedded tissue into very thin slices using a microtome), and staining (applying different dyes to the slices to highlight different cell and tissue components and make them visible under the microscope). The pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope to evaluate the shape, size, and arrangement of cells, and identify any abnormal changes or diseased cells (such as cancer cells). Additional tests may also be performed on the tissue (such as immunohistochemistry or genetic testing) to obtain further information that helps determine the type of disease and its characteristics.