What is Incisional Biopsy?

Incisional Biopsy

In the previous article about biopsy, we saw the basics of it, learnt some facts, and discussed needle biopsy. In this article , we will discuss about 'incisional' and 'excisional' biopsies, their indications and contraindications, etc.

What is Incisional Biopsy?

• Incisional biopsy is a procedure used for pathologic examination of a tumor.
• It involves removal of a small portion of the tumor mass.
• If possible, an incisional biopsy should retrieve a deep section of tumor as well as a margin of normal tissue for examination.

Incisional biopsy

What are the indications for performing incisional biopsy/when is it performed?

• It is best performed in situations where the surgeon will be able to excise or remove the 'incisional wound' in continuity, in case the tumor cells spilled out at the time of biopsy.
• It  is indicated for deeper subcutaneous or intramuscular tumor masses after the initial needle biopsy fails to establish a diagnosis.

Performed in case of very large tumors, as the total excision would damage extensive healthy tissue planes.

Facts:

Incisional biopsy includes the following :

• removal of tumor portions during endoscopic examination of the bronchus, esophagus, rectum, or bladder, 
• also includes suction or currettage of the endometrium as well as laparoscopic biopsy.

Disadvantage of incisional biopsy:

• It's the same as that of needle biopsy.Removed portion may not be representative of the entire tumor.
• Negative results after incisional biopsy does not rule out the possibility of cancer in the residual mass, especiallly if the clinical features suggest otherwise.

Also read
5 reasons why you should study Oncology.
Cancer and surgery.
What is Radiation oncology?
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
What is psycho-oncology?
12 causes of cancer.
Cancer in 21st century.