Excisional and Incisional - Biopsies

Biopsies are procedures conducted to remove a whole organ or tumor sample. The way the samples are taken is determined by the location of the tumor and the type of cancer that has been diagnosed. This article will review the two most prevalent forms of biopsies: excisional and incisional biopsy.

What is Excisional or Incisional Biopsy?

A biopsy is a process of removing a tumor. The procedure is termed an excisional biopsy when the entire tumor is removed, and an incisional biopsy is when only a part of the tumor is removed. Be aware that an excisional biopsy, also known as a wide local excision, entails the surgical removal of the tumor and some normal tissue surrounding it.

Reasons You May Need an Excisional or Incisional Biopsy

Excisional and incisional biopsies are commonly used to check for malignancy. They are, nonetheless, useful in determining other illnesses. Excisional or incisional biopsy is often advised anytime there are important questions regarding your health that the biopsy may be able to answer.

The following are some of the reasons you may need an excisional or incisional biopsy:

• If you have chronic hepatitis and need to know if you have cirrhosis
• If you have signs of skin cancer, like a mole that changes in color, and want to know if you have melanoma, especially if a mole on your skin has changed shape recently
• If mammography reveals a lump or bulge, that could indicate breast cancer
• When your doctor wants to assess for cancer spread, i.e., breast or skin cancer
• When your doctor wants to diagnose and choose the optimal treatment strategy

What are the Risk Factors for Excisional or Incisional Biopsy?

Although the chances of having an excisional or incisional biopsy is low, it is possible if you have been diagnosed with cancer.

The following are some of the risks associated with excisional or incisional biopsy:

• Bleeding from the incision
• An infection of the surrounding tissues
• There is a possibility of tissue scarring that is not evident
• If the lesion is more severe than first thought, an infection may develop, necessitating additional treatment

Other risks depend on the biopsied location, so you should discuss them thoroughly with your doctor before proceeding.

What are the Complications of Excisional or Incisional Biopsy?

Some of the possible complications related to excisional or incisional biopsy are:

• Skin discomfort surrounding the biopsy area.
• Puncture injury to neighboring tissue or organs.
• Abnormal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Infections

Can Excisional or Incisional Biopsy be Prevented?

Some of the ways you can prevent complications related to excisional or incisional biopsy are by:

• Discussing your up-to-date drug prescriptions and allergies with Dr. Gay
• Avoiding sporting or exercise activities after the surgery
• Having adequate painkillers

What to Expect from your Excisional or Incisional Biopsy

The sample outcome primarily determines excisional or incisional biopsy treatment options. They are usually done with a surgical procedure that takes about 15 minutes, and the result is revealed after nearly 48 hours.

The diagnosis will determine the treatment, and you and Dr. Gay will discuss the result and next steps. If you see any signs of infection, such as weeping or redness around the biopsy site, seek medical help immediately.

Call to Schedule an Appointment with a Boise Surgeon Specializing in Excisional and Incisional Biopsies

If you are in need of an incisional or excisional biopsy for diagnostics of a potential condition, consider scheduling a consultation with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Daniel Gay. He is focused on providing a minimally invasive surgical option to all patients with a larger emphasis on their further health education. Submit a contact form or call (208) 321-4790 today to make an appointment!