Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
wide local excision
Surgical removal of a tumor with a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure complete excision.
Full Definition
Wide local excision is a surgical technique that involves removing a tumor along with a predetermined margin of normal tissue surrounding it. This approach aims to achieve clear surgical margins while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The width of the margin varies depending on tumor type, location, and stage. It is commonly used for breast cancer, soft tissue sarcomas, and skin cancers where organ preservation is a priority.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the margin width when documenting this procedure.
In Context
- "The pathology report confirmed that wide local excision achieved negative margins with a 2-cm clearance." — surgical pathology report
- "Wide local excision was performed rather than mastectomy given the tumor's favorable size and location." — operative note
Also known as
wide excision
local excision with margins
Contrasted with
enucleation
simple excision
Don't confuse with
simple excision
radical excision