Patient education: Skin biopsy (The Basics)

What is a skin biopsy? — 

This is a procedure to check cells from the skin. Some common reasons to have a skin biopsy include:

●You have an abnormal area on your skin (like an unusual rash, sore, or lesion) that won't heal

●To check a lesion for skin cancer

●To help plan treatment for a medical problem

Most skin biopsies are done in a doctor's office or clinic.

What are the different types of skin biopsies? — 

Depending on what the doctor is looking for, skin biopsies are done in different ways. Examples include:

●Shave biopsy – The doctor uses a special tool like a "curette" or scalpel to remove the top layer of skin. A curette is a small spoon-shaped tool with a tiny scoop or loop at the end.

●Punch biopsy – The doctor uses a special tool to remove a small, round piece of skin.

●Surgical biopsy – The doctor uses surgical tools to remove either a small piece or a larger area of skin for testing.

Your doctor will recommend which type of biopsy to have, and where to have it, based on:

●Your health

●The size and location of the area, as well as how deep the biopsy will go

●What the area looks like

How do I prepare for a skin biopsy? — 

The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare. In most cases, you can eat and drink normally before the procedure. The doctor will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before the procedure.

Before the procedure, your doctor will ask about your "health history." This involves asking about any health problems you have or had in the past, past surgeries, and any medicines you take. Tell them about:

●Any medicines you are taking – This includes prescription or "over-the-counter" medicines, plus any herbal supplements. It helps to write down and bring a list of your medicines, or bring a bag with all your medicines with you.

●Any allergies you have

●Any bleeding problems you have – Certain medicines, including some herbs and supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding. Some health conditions also increase this risk.

Before the procedure, your doctor will also do an exam.

Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during a skin biopsy? — 

It depends on the type of biopsy.

In general:

●The doctor will clean the area of the biopsy.

●They will likely give you an injection (shot) to numb the area.

●They will use special tools to remove a small area of skin. The sample will be sent to the lab for testing.

●The doctor will hold pressure or use stitches, skin glue, or medical tape to close any cuts ("incisions") and stop any bleeding. If needed, they will cover the area with clean bandages.

●Most skin biopsies take less than 30 minutes.

What happens after a skin biopsy? — 

You will likely get the results of your biopsy in about a week. Your doctor will talk to you about what the results mean and what will happen next. If the results are not clear, your doctor will schedule another biopsy or procedure to get more information.

What are the risks of a skin biopsy? — 

Your doctor will talk to you about all the possible risks and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding

●Infection

●Scarring

●Swelling

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