Open biopsy

Definition of open biopsy
National Cancer Institute

open biopsy

(OH-pen BY-op-see)
A procedure in which a cut is made through the skin to remove abnormal tissue so it can be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. The two types of open biopsy are incisional biopsy, in which part of a lump or a sample of tissue is removed, and excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed. Also called surgical biopsy.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms