Excisional Biopsy

There are three situations in which a surgical excisional biopsy may be performed:

• Prior needle biopsy indicating high risk lesion/abnormality which needs to be removed in entirety.
• Abnormality on mammogram or ultrasound that is not amenable to needle biopsy for diagnosis.
• Large masses that are presumably benign (not cancer) but, due to the large size, necessitate removal.

This procedure involves a small incision in the breast and the removal of the area of interest.  If area of concern cannot be palpated by the surgeon, a needle/wire localization will be performed prior to surgery.  Excisional biopsies are performed as outpatient surgery.  Patients will usually be able to return to work and other activities within five days.