A skin biopsy is a minor medical procedure to remove a small piece of skin tissue, which is examined under a microscope to diagnose a skin condition or disease. It is commonly performed when your skin care specialist suspects that a skin condition or lesion is abnormal and needs further examination. The procedure only takes a few minutes.
Why would a biopsy be needed?
The procedure is needed for a variety of conditions, including:
- Suspicious moles or growths: Moles that are irregular in shape, color, or texture, or that have changed over time may be biopsied to check for skin cancer.
- Skin infections: If an infection is not responding to treatment, a biopsy may be done to determine the underlying cause and guide further treatment.
- Skin tumors: Biopsies can help determine whether a tumor is benign or cancerous.
Types of biopsies
There are different types of skin biopsies, but the most common ones are a punch biopsy and shave biopsy.
Punch Biopsy: The doctor will use a tool that looks like a tiny round cookie cutter to remove a deeper sample of skin. The doctor rotates the punch biopsy tool on the skin until it cuts through all the layers of the skin. The sample is removed and the edges of the biopsy site are often stitched together.
Shave Biopsy: The doctor will shave off the top layers of the skin with a small surgical blade. Bleeding from the biopsy site is then stopped by applying an ointment or a chemical that stops bleeding, or by using a small electrical current to cauterize the wound.
What to expect for a biopsy procedure
Before the procedure, the doctor will explain the purpose of the biopsy, what to expect during the procedure, and any possible risks or complications. The patient’s medical history and current medications will be reviewed to ensure that the procedure is safe for them.
The area to be biopsied is numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. The doctor will remove the skin tissue using the selected biopsy technique. The wound is then stitched and a small dressing is placed over the area.
The dressing should be kept dry and clean for a few days until the wound has healed. Over time, the biopsy site shrinks in size and typically heals within 2-3 weeks.
The biopsy results may take a few days to come back from the pathology laboratory. Once the results are available, the doctor will discuss any necessary treatment or follow-up plan.
No further treatment is needed if the biopsy removes the entire tumor, as it’s often enough to cure basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
Not all skin lesions or conditions require a biopsy, and not all biopsies result in a diagnosis. It’s important to schedule the procedure if recommended to ensure that any potential skin conditions are identified and treated timely. Wait times to see a dermatologist for a skin biopsy have been increasing. Our practice prides itself on its ability to offer appointments within the same week.
If you have concerns about a skin condition, it’s important to consult with our team of specialists.
View additional information from Mayo Clinic on skin biopsies.