What is excisional breast bx?

HI - I am scheduled for an "N.L. Excisional Breast BX" next week, but I don't know what the BX stands for. Can anybody help? I have had an ultrasound and biopsy which came back as a benign fibroadenoma, but I still feel like there is something not right. Also, can anybody shed any light as to what I should expect? The mass to be removed is the size of a "big, fat juicy grape". Am I looking at having my breast change shape and size dramatically? Thanks!

[Kelleen]

Bx is an abbreviation for biopsy

[japdip]

An excisional biopsy (bx) is when a small incision is made and a portion of a lump is removed to be evaluated by Pathology. There are other types of biopsies done with a needle that withdrawsa sample of the suspicious area and the cells are sent to Pathology for evaluation.Considering the size of the lump you describe I doubt there would be much change in the shape of your breast unless you are very small.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

An excisional biopsy is when the whole lump - as much of it is visible at the time of surgery is removed completely.

What does your ultrasound and mammogram reports say? What does your previous biopsy report say exactly?

If it is a fibroadenoma, then it is probably being removed to help you relieve you of the symptoms that you might be having. Do you have any pain or other pressure symptoms?

You could also talk to your doctor about this in detail and clear out your doubts.

Let us know how you are doing and also if you have any questions.

Hope this helps.

Regards.