Biopsy

Question 1

The medical removal of tissue to determine disease, especially cancer.

Answer 1

Biopsy

Question 2

Complete removal of an accessible and small lesion or mass where it can be theraputic and diagnostic.

Answer 2

Excisional Biopsy

Question 3

What is a case where excisional biopsy is necessary?

Answer 3

Skin lesions like a melanoma (skin cancer).

Question 4

What are the advantages of excisional biopsies?

Answer 4

1. Thorough examination.
2. Curative, if lesion is early-stage.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of excisional biopsies?

Answer 5

1. Invasive
2. Requires suturing and long heal time.
3. Not for deep or large lesions.

Question 6

The removal of a portion of a suspected large lesion or mass that is difficult to access and pre-treatment diagnosis for malignancy.

Answer 6

Incisional Biopsy

Question 7

What are the advantages of incisional biopsy?

Answer 7

1. Less invasive than excisional.
2. Useful for planning.

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of incisional biopsy.

Answer 8

1. Sampling error (non-representative).
2. Tumor seeding risk.
3. May not be curative.