Skin Biopsies are an important diagnostic tool. If one of our health care providers needs to diagnose a disease such as skin cancer, an infection or other condition, they may recommend a skin biopsy. There are different types of biopsies employed depending on the location of the biopsy, the reason for it and the overall health concerns of the individual case.
- Shave Biopsy: A thin layer is shaved from the top of the area.
- Punch Biopsy: A small circular section of the area is removed using a tool called a punch, similar to a very tiny straw.
- Excisional Biopsy: An entire piece of tissue or lesion is removed, excised, using a scalpel — typically when there is a small lesion that needs to be removed and sent to a lab for testing.
- Incisional Biopsy: A small part of a larger area is removed with a scalpel for testing.
In the procedure for a biopsy, the area is cleaned and then numbed before the sample is taken from the skin. Our office performs these biopsies as outpatient procedures in the office. The aftercare for a biopsy is usually very simple and can be done at home. It involves a clean dressing for the wound and some extra care around the sore area during healing.
After a biopsy, our office will be in touch with you to discuss the results of the diagnostic testing and any further steps that may or may not be necessary or recommended. Our doctors are always available to answer your questions.