If a breast lump is an inch or less across, the entire lump is usually removed during an excisional biopsy.
Mammograms can detect breast abnormalities, but only a can biopsy determine whether it is malignant (cancerous) or benign. A biopsy removes suspected tissue. A pathologist examines the tissue microscopically to determine whether it is cancerous.
Types
Complications include pain, internal scar tissue formation, external scarring and infection. Scar tissue formation can cause problems with interpretation of future mammograms, according to MedicineNet.com.
Considerations
Doctors consider the size of the tumor, its location within the breast and characteristics of the mass in deciding whether to recommend an excisional biopsy.
Benefits
Excisional breast biopsies offer nearly 100 percent accurate diagnoses, according to Imaginis.com.
Misconceptions
Just because a doctor orders an excisional biopsy does not mean a person has cancer. Only 20 percent of biopsies are cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Prevention/Solution
Patients taking blood-thinners or aspirin should stop taking the medication before surgery to prevent abnormal bleeding, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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