What best defines an incisional biopsy?

An incisional biopsy is best defined as a procedure in which a small portion of tissue is incised and then sent for examination. This technique is typically employed when a lesion or area of concern is too large or ill-defined to be fully excised, allowing for the analysis of the tissue to provide diagnostic information about the presence of disease, such as cancer.

This method contrasts with an excisional biopsy, which involves removing an entire lump or suspicious area for evaluation. Thus, during an incisional biopsy, only a portion of the tissue is removed to represent the overall characteristics of the lesion. This targeted approach enables pathologists to examine the microscopic and cellular composition of the tissue, leading to accurate diagnosis while minimizing the risk associated with larger surgical procedures.

Furthermore, this technique requires careful consideration of the size and characteristics of the tissue sample to ensure that the portion taken reflects the pathology of the entire lesion, thereby providing a reliable diagnosis without unnecessary removal of healthy tissue.