SKIN BIOPSY
If our experienced Skin Cancer Doctors find a suspicious lesion on the skin, they may want to perform a skin biopsy.
SHAVE BIOPSY
A tool like a razor is used to scrape the surface of your skin. It gathers a cell sample from the top layers of the skin. These layers are called the epidermis and the dermis. Stitches usually aren't needed after this procedure.
Skin Biopsies remove a small amount of tissue from the suspect lesion that is sent to a pathology lab in order to accurately diagnose the condition and determine the best course of action for treatment.
At Skin Scan WA we perform both Shave biopsies and Punch Biopsies. The type of biopsy will be determined by your symptoms and how much skin is effected.
PUNCH BIOPSY
A round-tipped cutting tool is used to remove a small core of skin, including deeper layers. The sample might include tissue from layers called the epidermis, the dermis and the top layer of fat under the skin. You may need a small number of stitches to close the wound depending on the size of the biopsy.
WHAT TO EXPECT:​
Prior to treatment you will have a full consultation with your skin cancer doctor, at this time your medical history, allergies and any other risks will be discussed. ​
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On the day of treatment depending on the size of the lesion you may need to remove the clothes in that area. The skin will be cleaned and an injection of local anaesthesia will be put into the area. This can have a strong stinging sensation for a few seconds but works quickly, and following this the procedure will be painless.
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The biopsy will then be completed, stitches put in to close the wound and a bandage will be put in place. This wound tends to heal quickly. When the results return the doctor will determine what further treatment is necessary.