What is an Excisional (Open) Biopsy?
During an Excisional Biopsy, a general surgeon will attempt to completely remove the area of concern, along with a surrounding margin of normal breast tissue, while the patient is under general anesthesia. A picture is taken of the tissue that is removed and compared to the prior image of the breast to ensure the entire affected area is removed. The suspicious tissue is sent to a pathologist who identifies the tissue as cancerous or non-cancerous. Patients usually receive their results within 1-3 business days.
