In-Office Skin Biopsies: What to Expect
If your provider recommends a skin biopsy, you might feel a bit anxious, but rest assured, it is a quick and routine in-office procedure. We perform skin biopsies to get a clear diagnosis for many different skin conditions, including suspicious moles, rashes, and other growths.
Headline: Understanding Your Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy is an essential diagnostic tool that helps our team accurately identify skin conditions that can’t be diagnosed by a visual exam alone. A biopsy can determine if a growth is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and it can also pinpoint the cause of rashes, infections, and other skin disorders.
Common Types of Biopsies
Depending on the lesion’s size, depth, and location, your provider will select the most appropriate method:
- Shave Biopsy: This involves using a small, sharp blade to shave a thin, superficial layer of skin. Stitches are not required for this method.
- Punch Biopsy: Using a special circular tool, a small, cylindrical core of skin is removed, reaching into the deeper layers. A punch biopsy may require one or two stitches.
- Excisional Biopsy: The entire suspicious lesion is surgically removed with a scalpel. This method is often used for suspected melanomas and requires stitches.
The Procedure
The process typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes.
- We will first clean the area with an antiseptic.
- A local anesthetic is then injected to completely numb the spot. You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but after that, the procedure is painless.
- Your provider will then remove a small sample of the affected skin using one of a few common techniques, like a shave, punch, or excisional biopsy.
- Depending on the method, the site may be closed with a stitch or bandaged to heal naturally.
What Happens Next?
The tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis by a pathologist. Once the results are ready, we will contact you to explain the findings and discuss any next steps. We will also provide you with detailed instructions for at-home wound care to ensure proper healing.
Your Experience: Before, During, and After
- Before: No special preparation is typically needed. We will ask about any medications you take, especially blood thinners.
- During: After the area is numbed, you may feel some pressure, but no pain. The procedure is very fast.
- After: We will dress the wound and provide you with simple care instructions. Healing time varies, but we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your results.