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?
Surgical removal of a breast lump or tissue for examination.

Why is an excisional breast biopsy performed?
To diagnose breast cancer or other breast abnormalities.

How is the procedure done?
Under general anesthesia or sedation, a surgeon removes the affected tissue.

What type of anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

Is the procedure outpatient or inpatient?
Usually outpatient.

How long does the procedure take?
Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Will I have a scar after the procedure?
Yes, a small scar will be present.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
No, due to anesthesia effects.

When can I resume normal activities?
Usually within a few days.

How long until biopsy results are available?
Typically 2-5 business days.