Diagnostics·Diagnostics
Excisional biopsy
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
An excisional biopsy is a medical procedure where a doctor removes an entire lump or abnormal area of tissue from your body so it can be examined under a microscope. It is done to find out whether the tissue is normal or if it shows signs of disease, such as cancer.
Key facts
- The entire abnormal area is removed, not just a small piece.
- It is usually done with local anaesthetic (numbing medicine) so you stay awake but feel no pain.
- The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for testing, which can take a few days to a week.
- Excisional biopsy is often used for lumps in the breast, skin, lymph nodes, or other soft tissues.
Yes, excisional biopsies are a standard diagnostic tool. They are performed thousands of times each year in the UK and around the world.