How is a wedge biopsy obtained?

• A. By using a core punch to remove tissue
• B. By surgically excising an entire lesion or a wedge
• C. By scraping with a curette
• D. By aspirating tissue with a needle

Answer: (B)

A wedge biopsy is a surgical procedure designed to remove a specific section of tissue for diagnostic examination. This method involves surgically excising either an entire lesion or a triangular section (or wedge) of tissue. The purpose of this technique is to obtain a representative sample that can provide clear information about the health of the tissue, particularly in the examination for cancers or other abnormalities.

In this context, the extraction of a wedge-shaped piece of tissue helps in accurately assessing the extent of a lesion and ensuring that enough surrounding tissue is preserved for thorough analysis. This approach differs from techniques like using a core punch or performing an aspiration, as those methods involve different sampling strategies that may not provide the comprehensive insight needed that a wedge biopsy offers.