Frequently Asked Questions about a dermatology biopsy.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is the removal of a small part of a skin lesion. The size of the removal will depend on the type of skin lesion you have. Often the size does not exceed 5 to 10 mm.
What is the purpose of the biopsy procedure? Why does a Dermatologist do a biopsy?
A biopsy allows us to collect a partial sample of skin to send to a laboratory for testing and more extensive evaluation. These tests give us answers beyond what we can see with our eyes in a clinical exam. Once the results are finalized, the next step of treatment can be planned out in more detail.
Must the biopsy be done, even if we think we know what I have?
This all depends on your medical condition. In some situations, a clinical visit can provide you with an answer based on expert opinion that is nearly always correct. However, in other situations, histologic confirmation by biopsy is required for the continued management of your skin condition. It is important to also understand that a biopsy will increase your odds of an answer with the results provided, however even a biopsy is not always 100% correct.
Why not completely remove the skin lesion now, and skip the skin the biopsy?
Removing a skin lesion based on what we can see in clinic can be a challenge. This is because most skin lesions have microscopic extensions(roots) not visible to the eye in clinical exam, and which can extend unpredictably. As a result, national clinical guidelines have been established to determine how much extra "normal" appearing skin should be remove beyond the visible lesion. These guidelines are designed by national experts to try and assure removal of all the extensions(roots) that may exist. However, most lesions have different clinical guidelines based on what the exact lesion is, and we have to do a biopsy to confirm the type of lesion and thus the specific clinical guidelines that should be followed.
Is a biopsy a painful procedure?
Each person has a different level of tolerance to pain. We make every effort to keep you comfortable and prepare you for the procedure. This includes using local anesthetic to numb the area. In most situations, the only uncomfortable sensation is the one you feel during the initial seconds that it takes to numb the region with anesthetic medication.
Should I stop my blood thinners, asprin, or any other prescribed medications?
No, you will not have to stop or skip a dose of any of your medications.
Should I be fasting or not eat before the procedure?
You can continue all your daily routines as usual. You do not need to fast
How long does the procedure take?
A Biopsy is a same day clinical procedure. Further treatment steps may be required after the results of the biopsy return. These extra steps may require more time.
Will the procedure leave a scar?
Every person is unique and the degree of scar may vary. Many people have no scars after a biopsy, while others may develop hypertrophic scar or color changes at the site of the procedure. Often, scar can be minimized by practicing sun protection and keeping a band aid on the procedure site until it is fully healed.
Do I need to do anything special for the wound?
It is best to keep white petrolatum or Aquaphor ointment on the wound to help with healing. Wound care instructions: Antibiotics such as Neomycin are often not required unless you have been specifically instructed to use them and/or you are prone to infection, or have immune system problems, or other medical conditions
Does the cost of the biopsy include the cost of the studies/reports done on the skin sample?
The procedure of a biopsy is billed by the physician/medical clinic. The results are then prepared by a laboratory which often bills separately from the clinic.
When will the results return?
Results return within a few days. Results rarely, if ever, take more then 10 business days to return. If you have not heard from our clinic regarding your results, please contact us.
Do not see your question answered?
Contact us to add it.
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is the removal of a small part of a skin lesion. The size of the removal will depend on the type of skin lesion you have. Often the size does not exceed 5 to 10 mm.
What is the purpose of the biopsy procedure? Why does a Dermatologist do a biopsy?
A biopsy allows us to collect a partial sample of skin to send to a laboratory for testing and more extensive evaluation. These tests give us answers beyond what we can see with our eyes in a clinical exam. Once the results are finalized, the next step of treatment can be planned out in more detail.
Must the biopsy be done, even if we think we know what I have?
This all depends on your medical condition. In some situations, a clinical visit can provide you with an answer based on expert opinion that is nearly always correct. However, in other situations, histologic confirmation by biopsy is required for the continued management of your skin condition. It is important to also understand that a biopsy will increase your odds of an answer with the results provided, however even a biopsy is not always 100% correct.
Why not completely remove the skin lesion now, and skip the skin the biopsy?
Removing a skin lesion based on what we can see in clinic can be a challenge. This is because most skin lesions have microscopic extensions(roots) not visible to the eye in clinical exam, and which can extend unpredictably. As a result, national clinical guidelines have been established to determine how much extra "normal" appearing skin should be remove beyond the visible lesion. These guidelines are designed by national experts to try and assure removal of all the extensions(roots) that may exist. However, most lesions have different clinical guidelines based on what the exact lesion is, and we have to do a biopsy to confirm the type of lesion and thus the specific clinical guidelines that should be followed.
Is a biopsy a painful procedure?
Each person has a different level of tolerance to pain. We make every effort to keep you comfortable and prepare you for the procedure. This includes using local anesthetic to numb the area. In most situations, the only uncomfortable sensation is the one you feel during the initial seconds that it takes to numb the region with anesthetic medication.
Should I stop my blood thinners, asprin, or any other prescribed medications?
No, you will not have to stop or skip a dose of any of your medications.
Should I be fasting or not eat before the procedure?
You can continue all your daily routines as usual. You do not need to fast
How long does the procedure take?
A Biopsy is a same day clinical procedure. Further treatment steps may be required after the results of the biopsy return. These extra steps may require more time.
Will the procedure leave a scar?
Every person is unique and the degree of scar may vary. Many people have no scars after a biopsy, while others may develop hypertrophic scar or color changes at the site of the procedure. Often, scar can be minimized by practicing sun protection and keeping a band aid on the procedure site until it is fully healed.
Do I need to do anything special for the wound?
It is best to keep white petrolatum or Aquaphor ointment on the wound to help with healing. Wound care instructions: Antibiotics such as Neomycin are often not required unless you have been specifically instructed to use them and/or you are prone to infection, or have immune system problems, or other medical conditions
Does the cost of the biopsy include the cost of the studies/reports done on the skin sample?
The procedure of a biopsy is billed by the physician/medical clinic. The results are then prepared by a laboratory which often bills separately from the clinic.
When will the results return?
Results return within a few days. Results rarely, if ever, take more then 10 business days to return. If you have not heard from our clinic regarding your results, please contact us.
Do not see your question answered?
Contact us to add it.
