What does an open surgical biopsy involve?

An open surgical biopsy involves making an incision in the skin to access the area of concern and directly removing a sample of tissue for examination. This procedure allows for a clear view of the tissues being analyzed, which can be critical in diagnosing conditions such as cancer. The tissue is then sent to a pathology lab where it is examined under a microscope to provide a definitive diagnosis.

In contrast, other options describe alternative methods of obtaining tissue samples. A minimally invasive approach to sample tissue typically involves techniques such as core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirations, which do not require significant skin incisions. Imaging-guided needle sampling refers specifically to the use of imaging techniques (like ultrasound or mammography) to assist in the placement of needles used for biopsy, while observation without tissue removal implies monitoring a lesion without obtaining a sample, which does not fulfill the criteria of a biopsy. Each of these alternative approaches serves specific diagnostic purposes but does not align with the direct surgical tissue removal characteristic of an open surgical biopsy.