[Clinical diagnosis: open surgical biopsies].

The main goal of an open biopsy in the breast is directed towards confirmation or exclusion of suspected cancer. The curved incision parallel to the areolar line must allow excision of the tumor completely. Persisting isolated lumps should be extirpated even if by all other diagnostic means they seem to be benign. Cases of pathologic secretion (tumors, suspicious cytology, significant galactography, abundant secretion) need surgical intervention as well. The clinical value of homologue biopsies taken from the contralateral breast in cases of breast cancer on one side is questionable.