A skin biopsy is the removal of a small portion of abnormal skin. The removed skin is tested to see why it is not normal. There are three main types of skin biopsies:
A skin biopsy is used to evaluate and/or remove an area of abnormal skin. It is most often done for the following reasons:
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a skin biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
No special preparation is needed for this procedure.
Local anesthesia may be used. It will numb the area being biopsied.
After the procedure, clean steri-strips will often be placed to help keep the wound closed. A clean dressing will be placed over the area.
5-20 minutes
There may be some temporary pain and discomfort after the procedure.
Keep the biopsy area clean and dry. Keep it covered with a sterile bandage for 1-2 days. If steri-strips were applied, they will fall off on their own in about a week.
Be sure to check with your doctor about when you may shower after the procedure. Pat the wound dry after you have washed it with a mild soap. Do not submerge the wound in water until it is well-healed.
Take pain medicine if necessary.
Stitches will be left in the skin for 3-14 days, depending on where they are located. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results of the biopsy.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
http://www.asds.net/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/
Cancer Care Ontario
http://www.cancercare.on.ca/
References:
American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/default.htm.
Habif T. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2004.
Zaret BL, Jatlow PI, Katz LD. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company; 1997.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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