An excisional biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a suspicious or abnormal tissue or mass from the body for further examination. It is commonly performed when there is a need to determine the nature of a lump, tumor, or lesion, as well as to assess whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
During an excisional biopsy, a surgeon makes an incision and carefully removes the entire suspicious area along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. This approach ensures that an adequate sample is obtained for a thorough analysis by a pathologist. The excised tissue is then sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination, where it is studied to determine the presence of cancer cells, the type and grade of cancer, or the nature of any other concerning conditions.
Excisional biopsies are often performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used depending on the location and complexity of the procedure. The surgical site is typically closed with stitches, and the excised tissue is sent for laboratory testing. Results from the biopsy can provide valuable information to guide further treatment decisions, such as whether additional surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy is necessary.
It’s important to note that excisional biopsies are just one type of biopsy among several others, including needle biopsies or incisional biopsies, which may be chosen based on factors such as the size, location, and characteristics of the suspicious tissue.
