Have you ever brought your kitty to the vet because they have a lump on their body? If you have, the vet may  have said that they want to examine it with cytology and then, if needed, proceed to biopsy. The procedures are closely related and often mentioned together. Cytology is normally used as a first step to decide whether or not a biopsy is needed. The vet will obtain a sample using a syringe and needle to get some cells to examine. A pathologist will then look at those cells and decide whether or not a biopsy is needed or sometimes make a diagnosis. A biopsy generally requires a cat to be put under anesthesia because the vet needs to remove a piece of or the entire lump. A biopsy helps diagnose the type of malignancy or lack thereof, allowing the vet to decide on treatment options.