Excisional Biopsy
An excisional biopsy is surgery where a small piece of breast tissue (or biopsy) is removed. It is used when a radiological biopsy (core biopsy) is inconclusive, or to supplement it with some problems where a larger biopsy is required. Commonly this is done for breast abnormalities picked up on mammogram or ultrasound, which cannot be felt by the patient or doctor. In these cases, a hookwire will usually be used.
The surgery is done under general anaesthetic, takes approximately one hour and is done as a day case. Most women recover quite quickly from surgery. There may be pain but usually this is not severe, and pain relief will be given to you prior to discharge from hospital. Bruising and tenderness of the breast is common.
It is impossible to perform this surgery and not affect the appearance of the breast. Scars are unavoidable with all surgery. Where possible they are placed at the edge of the areola though this depends on the location of the abnormality. Dr Adams places great emphasis on the appearance of the breast after surgery but some changes can occur.
Dr Adams will meet with you approximately one week after surgery. At this appointment a general review is undertaken and your histology or microscope report is discussed. If any further treatment is recommended it will be discussed with you.