Which biopsy procedure involves removal of an adjacent tissue in addition to removal of the entire lesion?

Which biopsy procedure involves removal of an adjacent tissue in addition to removal of the entire lesion?

• A. Incisional biopsy
• B. Excision
• C. Punch biopsy
• D. Curettage

Answer: (B)

Excision removes the entire lesion plus a margin of surrounding normal tissue. This margin ensures complete removal and provides tissue to evaluate for clear boundaries or invasion, which is essential if you need definitive treatment and to reduce recurrence. In contrast, an incisional biopsy samples only a portion of the lesion to establish a diagnosis; a punch biopsy collects a small core, usually limited in size; and curettage involves scraping away tissue without intentionally taking a surrounding margin. Hence, excision is the procedure that includes adjacent tissue beyond the lesion itself.

Excision removes the entire lesion plus a margin of surrounding normal tissue. This margin ensures complete removal and provides tissue to evaluate for clear boundaries or invasion, which is essential if you need definitive treatment and to reduce recurrence.

In contrast, an incisional biopsy samples only a portion of the lesion to establish a diagnosis; a punch biopsy collects a small core, usually limited in size; and curettage involves scraping away tissue without intentionally taking a surrounding margin. Hence, excision is the procedure that includes adjacent tissue beyond the lesion itself.