Final answer:
A biopsy is a procedure where tissue is removed from the body for analysis, typically to diagnose cancer. Excisional and incisional biopsies serve different purposes, and the results are critical for determining the type of cancer and guiding treatment decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A biopsy is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of tissue from a patient to diagnose conditions, often cancer. By examining the tissue microscopically, pathologists can provide a definitive diagnosis and identify specific types of cancer, such as carcinoma or sarcoma. Excisional biopsy refers to the removal of an entire lump or suspicious area, whereas incisional biopsy involves taking just a sample of the affected tissue. The information gained from a biopsy can determine the cancer stage, which influences the treatment plan, which might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.
It's especially crucial in cases where medical imaging and clinical examination cannot definitively determine the presence of cancer or its type. In cases of suspected lymphoma, as illustrated by the patient Wei, a lymph node biopsy may be ordered. The distinction between types of cancer, such as small-cell and non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung, has critical implications for prognosis and treatment.