Excision Biopsy

What does the procedure involve?

Excision biopsy involves an operation to remove a breast lump or area of breast tissue for examination under the microscope. For lumps and mammogram calcifications that cannot be felt, a thin wire can be inserted under mammogram or ultrasound control to mark their position (wire localisation). Wire localisation is done before the operation.

What kind of results does it give?

Excision biopsy provides the complete histological diagnosis of a breast lump or area of breast tissue. Because the specimen is removed intact, it is possible to provide information on the excision margins.

When should I consider a excision biopsy?

Excision biopsy is useful in the following situations:

• When it is not technically possible to remove a breast lump or tissue by vacuum-assisted biopsy because of size and position within the breast
• When intact architecture of a breast lump or breast tissue is needed for histological diagnosis
• When a breast lump or breast tissue needs to be removed with an intact margin.

What are the risks?

The risks of excision biopsy includes bleeding, bruising, temporary swelling and scarring (including keloid scarring). There will be pain after the operation, which goes away oral painkillers. Depending on the size of the lump or tissue removed, there may be risks of deformity. There is a risk of a second operation depending on the findings.

Procedure information

• Type of Anaesthetic: General anaesthetics. Local anaesthetics possible for smaller lumps
• Length of procedure: 30-60 minutes
• Nights in Hospital: Day admission or overnight stay in hospital. Excision biopsy for small lesions under local anaesthetics can also be done our operating room in our clinic
• Recovery: 7-14 depending on the procedure