What type of biopsy involves the surgical removal of an entire lesion or tumor?

An excisional biopsy involves the complete surgical removal of a tumor or lesion along with some surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure not only allows for a thorough examination of the tumor's characteristics but also provides a more definitive diagnosis since the entire mass can be assessed histologically. By removing the entire lesion, it eliminates the risk of missing any potential cancerous cells that might extend beyond the visible borders of the tumor, which is crucial for accurate staging and treatment planning.

In contrast, needle biopsies involve taking a small sample of tissue using a needle, which may not capture the entire lesion, making it less definitive. Incisional biopsies only remove a portion of the tumor for examination, and core biopsies provide samples as well but do not aim to remove the entire lesion. Thus, excisional biopsy stands out as the most comprehensive approach for diagnosing tumors in oncology.