Breast Biopsy

Incisional Biopsy

What is an incisional biopsy?
Incisional biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue for sectioning and pathological examination. Incisional biopsies are typically done when needle biopsies are inconclusive, or if the lump or rash is too extensive to be easily removed.

Are there any complications after this surgery?
Complications are very rare, and they include local bleeding and bruising, pain, infection, allergic reaction to the numbing medicine used in the procedure, or damage to arteries or nerves under the skin.

Will I feel any pain during this procedure?
Although your doctor will numb the skin under and around the growth before doing the procedure, you'll still have feeling in the areas near the numbed site, so you'll probably feel some tugging on the skin. However, if you do feel pain, tell your doctor immediately.

Will stitches be needed to close the wound?
Yes. Stitches are needed to close the wound and will also need to be removed sometime following the procedure. If needed, your doctor will place absorbable stitches deep inside the wound to control bleeding, but they won’t need to be taken out.