The surgical removal of tissue, organs, or abnormal growths from the body. This procedure involves cutting out the targeted area completely, often to treat cancer, infections, or other pathological conditions.
From Latin 'excisio' meaning 'a cutting out,' derived from 'excidere' (ex- 'out' + caedere 'to cut'). The term has maintained its literal meaning of cutting something out since ancient Roman medical texts.
Excision is one of humanity's oldest surgical techniques, with evidence of successful tumor removals dating back 4,000 years in ancient Egypt! Modern excision can be so precise that surgeons can remove brain tumors while patients stay awake and talking, ensuring vital functions remain intact.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is euphemistically termed 'excision' in medical and anthropological literature, masking gendered harm with clinical language.
When discussing FGM, use direct terminology: 'female genital mutilation' or 'cutting' with explicit harm framing, not clinical euphemism.
["female genital mutilation","cutting","genital harm"]
Survivor advocates (Waris Dirie, Ayaan Hirsi Ali) rejected medical neutrality, insisting on language that names harm to girls' bodily autonomy.
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