What is a skin biopsy?
During a skin biopsy, a small sample of the suspicious area of your skin is removed and sent to a lab. Biopsies may be performed by:
- Shaving a thin layer from the top of the skin
- Excising the entire lesion
- Incising a small sample of a large site
- Punching with a specialized instrument to remove a circular sample
The biopsy can confirm skin cancer, an infection, or another skin problem.
What happens during a skin biopsy?
The biopsy site is thoroughly cleaned and the area numbed with a topical or injectable medication. The provider uses one of the above methods to obtain the biopsies. Punch, excisional, and incisional biopsies often need stitches for the wound. The procedure is done in the office and you can go home right afterward.
When will I know the results of a skin biopsy?
The provider sends the sample to a lab and should get results within a few days to a week. A team member calls you at the number in your records with the biopsy results. Follow-up treatment depends on your diagnosis.
What symptoms suggest I need a skin biopsy?
Discolored, rough, or raised patches of skin may cause alarm and require a biopsy. Firm, pale, scar-like areas, reddish raised patches of skin, or small, shiny translucent, red, or bluish bumps are all cause for concern. Bring them to the attention of the practitioners at IAM Healthy.
Moles that bleed, itch, or feel tender to the touch deserve a close examination. Watch for signs of precancerous or cancerous moles that have the ABCDEs:
- Asymmetry
- Border
- Color
- Diameter
- Evolution
Any time you notice a change in a mole it’s worth coming in for a skin check, especially if you have a history of skin cancer.
Does it require a lot of time to recover from a skin biopsy?
You may have some soreness around the biopsied area for a few days following the procedure. Keep the area clean, especially if it’s been closed with stitches. The team at IAM Healthy removes the stitches at a follow-up appointment. The biopsy will likely leave a small scar.
If you have suspicious areas of skin or an irregular mole, call IAM Healthy or book an appointment for an evaluation and possible biopsy using the online scheduler.
