Final answer:
An incisional biopsy involves the surgical removal of a portion of a suspicious tissue mass for pathological examination to diagnose conditions such as cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
An incisional biopsy is a type of biopsy that involves removing a portion of a tissue mass or lesion for pathology study. This procedure extracts a part of a suspicious area for diagnostic examination. In contrast, an excisional biopsy entails the removal of the entire lump or suspicious region. A needle biopsy involves obtaining a sample of tissue or fluid through a needle, while a punch biopsy extracts a cylindrical piece of tissue.
Biopsies are crucial for diagnosing conditions like cancer, aiding in determining the type of cells involved, and assessing their morphology or other characteristics, such as the presence of specific antigens. Identifying these features is vital for precise cancer classification, for instance, in distinguishing lymphoma or other specific types of cancer, contributing to accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.