Skin lesion biopsy

What is Skin Lesion Biopsy?

A skin lesion biopsy is a medical procedure in which tissue is removed from a suspicious or abnormal looking growth on the skin, and then examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous. It is often the first step in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.

What Are the Different Types of Skin Lesion Biopsy?

There are three common types of skin lesion biopsy: excisional biopsy, punch biopsy, and shave biopsy. In an excisional biopsy, the entire lesion (including the outline of normal skin around it) is removed. A punch biopsy removes a cylinder of tissue from the lesion and is done under local anesthesia. Shave biopsy removes only the top layer of the skin, leaving the deeper layers intact.

Preparation for Skin Lesion Biopsy

Before the biopsy, your doctor may recommend a skin cancer screening exam to check for any moles or spots on your skin that may need to be removed or tested. During this exam, you may be asked to provide a description of the skin lesion, or you may be asked to bring a digital photograph of it. This can help your doctor determine if the lesion is cancerous or non-cancerous. Your doctor may also order additional tests to determine whether the lesion is cancerous.

Skin Lesion Biopsy Procedure

• Your doctor will first numb the area around the lesion with a local anesthetic.
• Next, the doctor will surgically remove the lesion and the surrounding area of healthy skin.
• The tissue sample will then be sent to a lab for testing and further examination.
• If your doctor suspects that the lesion is cancerous, they may order additional tests, such as a CT scan or MRI to determine if the cancer has spread.
• Your doctor will then discuss with you your treatment options, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Risks and Complications of a Skin Lesion Biopsy

• Bleeding or infection.
• Scarring which can be cosmetically unnattractive.
• In rare cases, a biopsy can spread cancer cells to other parts of the body if the cancer is not completely removed.

When is a Skin Lesion Biopsy Necessary?

A skin lesion biopsy may be recommended if your doctor suspects that a lesion may be cancerous or non-cancerous. It may also be recommended if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A mole that is asymmetrical or has an irregular border.
• A mole that has multiple colors, including shades of brown, black, or tan, or has shades of red, white, or blue.
• A mole that is changing in size, shape, or color.
• A sore that does not heal.
• A lump that appears suddenly on the skin.

It is important to note that not all skin lesions or symptoms are signs of cancer. Your doctor may recommend a skin lesion biopsy to rule out cancer if they suspect it is a possibility.