Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor cuts and removes a small sample of skin to have it tested. This sample may help your doctor diagnose diseases such as skin cancer, infection, or other skin disorders.

There are several types of skin biopsy, including:

Shave biopsy: The doctor shaves a thin layer from the top of a lesion.

Punch biopsy: The doctor uses an instrument called a punch to remove a cylindrical section through all layers of the lesion.

Excisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to take off the entire lesion. This method is used for smaller lesions.

Incisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove a small sample of a large lesion.

The doctor will first cleanse the biopsy site, and then numb the skin by using an anesthetic (pain-relieving) spray, cream, or injection. The skin is then sampled using one of the above procedures. Shave biopsies do not usually need stitches, while punch, excisional, and incisional biopsies will sometimes be closed with sutures. The procedure is usually done in the doctor’s office.

After the biopsy is performed you may have some soreness around the biopsied site for 1 to 2 weeks. There is a small risk to develop post- biopsy infection and reaction to medications, anesthetics, sutures, etc. There is always a possibility of the lesion recurring in the same area, even when it appears to be totally removed.

Post-biopsy instructions:

• Keep the dressing on for 24 hours.
• If you need medication for discomfort, take Tylenol. Do not take Aspirin, Advil or similar drugs for 2 days after biopsy. If you need stronger pain medication, contact your physician.
• Do not participate in strenuous activities for 24 hours following the biopsy.
• Watch for excessive bleeding or pain.
• Change dressing in 24 hours and every 12 hours after, cover the area with Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin, Polysporin, etc.)

If you had stitches after the procedure, keep the area as clean and as dry as possible. Your doctor will tell you when the stitches should be removed (usually within one week). If adhesive steri-strips (which look like small pieces of tape) were used to close the incision, do not remove them. They will gradually fall off on their own. If the strips do not fall off on their own, your health care provider will remove them at your next follow-up appointment.

You should expect a small scar from the biopsy. The tissue is processed, and a pathologist examines the biopsy sample under a microscope to determine if there is any disease. The results usually come back within 1-2 weeks.