Excisional Breast Biopsy

An excisional breast biopsy is a surgical procedure used to remove a suspicious area of tissue from the breast for further examination and diagnosis.

Purpose

The primary purpose of an excisional breast biopsy is to:

• Diagnose breast cancer or other breast abnormalities
• Determine the extent of cancer, if present
• Guide treatment decisions

Procedure

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. The patient is given local anesthesia to numb the breast area
2. A small incision is made in the skin, and the suspicious tissue is removed
3. The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist
4. The incision is closed with stitches or sutures

Types of Excisional Breast Biopsies

There are two main types of excisional breast biopsies:

• Lumpectomy: Removal of a small tumor or suspicious area, along with a margin of surrounding tissue
• Excisional biopsy of the breast: Removal of a larger section of breast tissue, including the suspicious area and some surrounding tissue

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with excisional breast biopsies, including:

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Infection
• Scarring
• Changes in breast sensation or nipple sensation
• Reaction to anesthesia

Recovery

After the procedure, patients can expect:

• Mild discomfort or pain, which can be managed with medication
• Swelling or bruising, which should resolve on its own
• A follow-up appointment to remove stitches or sutures
• Results from the biopsy, which may take several days to several weeks to receive

Follow-up Care

After an excisional breast biopsy, patients should:

• Follow their doctor's instructions for wound care and recovery
• Attend follow-up appointments to discuss results and further treatment options, if necessary
• Continue regular breast cancer screening and monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an excisional breast biopsy?
A surgical procedure to remove a lump or suspicious area in the breast for examination.

Why is an excisional breast biopsy performed?
To diagnose breast cancer or other breast abnormalities when imaging results are unclear.

How is an excisional breast biopsy typically done?
Under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, with a surgeon making an incision to remove tissue.

What kind of anesthesia is used for the procedure?
Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on patient and doctor preferences.

Is an excisional breast biopsy an outpatient procedure?
Often performed as an outpatient procedure, but may require hospital stay in some cases.

How long does it usually take to recover from an excisional breast biopsy?
Typically several days to a week for full recovery, with some discomfort and bruising possible.

Will the biopsy leave a scar?
Yes, the procedure will result in a scar, which may fade over time.

Are there risks associated with an excisional breast biopsy?
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, and changes in breast sensation or appearance.

How long does it usually take to get results from an excisional breast biopsy?
Typically several days to a week for pathology results to be available.

Will the procedure affect future mammogram results?
Possibly, as scar tissue may appear on future mammograms, but this can be managed with proper imaging techniques.