Why Open Excisional Breast Biopsy?

Excisional biopsy, also known as an open surgical biopsy, is a surgical procedure to remove an area of abnormality in the breast. Unlike surgery for breast cancer, the procedure aims to remove only the area of abnormality without a rim of normal tissue.

What is an open biopsy of the breast?

Open (surgical) biopsy.

A cut is made in the breast. The surgeon removes part or all of the lump or area of concern. In some cases the lump may be small, deep, and hard to find. Then a method called wire localization may also be used. For this, a thin needle with a very thin wire is put into the breast.

Why do they put a clip in your breast after a biopsy?

A small metal clip may be inserted into the breast to mark the site of biopsy in case the tissue proves to be cancerous and additional surgery is required. This clip is left inside the breast and is not harmful to the body. If the biopsy leads to more surgery, the clip will be removed at that time.