skin biopsy

skin biopsy

A skin biopsy removes samples of cells and skin from the surface of the body. The sample taken from the skin biopsy is analyzed to provide information about the individual’s medical condition.

Three main types of skin biopsy:

• Shave biopsy: With a razor-like tool, the doctor removes a small part of the surface layer of the skin (epidermis and part of the middle membrane of the skin).
• Punch biopsy: Using a circular tool, the doctor removes a small part of the skin, including the deeper layers (dermis, part of the middle skin membrane and superficial fat).
• Excisional biopsy: The doctor uses a small knife (like a scalpel) to remove a whole lump or a part of the abnormal skin, including a part of the normal skin up to the fatty layer of the skin.

Why should a skin biopsy be done?

• Skin biopsy is done to diagnose or rule out a disease or skin condition
• This method is also used to remove skin lesions

A skin biopsy may be necessary to diagnose or help treat the following skin conditions:

• Actinic keratosis

• Bullous pemphigoid and other blistering skin disorders

• Dermatitis, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions

• Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

• skin infection

• Skin tags

• Moles or other suspicious tumors

• wart

Threats of skin biopsy:

It is a safe method, but it may have side effects, such as:

• Bleeding
• a bruise
• wound
• infection
• Allergic reaction to topical antibiotics

how to prepare?

Before doing this, inform your dermatologist

• Have you ever had bleeding?
• You have had excessive bleeding after medical surgeries
• You are taking blood thinners such as aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin.
• You have a history of skin infections, including jaundice
• You are using immunosuppressive drugs such as diabetes drugs or drugs after organ transplantation

what do you expect

• Depending on the location of the skin biopsy, you may be asked to undress or wear comfortable clothing.
• After cleansing, the doctor or nurse cleans the site for biopsy. And the desired location is marked with a surgical marker or pen.
• After that, you will receive local anesthesia for the biopsy, which is usually done by injection. The anesthetic causes a burning sensation in the skin for a few seconds. Afterwards, the biopsy site is numb and you will not feel any pain or discomfort in your skin during the biopsy.

During a skin biopsy

Depending on the type of biopsy you have, you can expect.

• For a corrective biopsy, the dermatologist cuts the tissue using a sharp instrument, a double-edged razor or a small surgical knife. The depth of the cut depends on the type of biopsy and the part of the body that is being sampled. Correctional biopsy is bleeding. Bleeding is stopped by applying pressure on the desired site or by a combination of pressure and topical medication applied to the biopsy site.
• For punch biopsy and slit biopsy, this procedure involves cutting the upper layer of fat under the skin so that stitches are needed to close the wound. A bandage or adhesive bandage is placed on the site and thus the bleeding is stopped.

A skin biopsy usually takes about 15 minutes in total, plus preparation time, wound dressing, and home care instructions.

After skin biopsy

• The doctor may ask you not to remove your dressing for a few days
• You may have bleeding (it happens more in people who use blood thinners, in this case, press the wound directly to stop the bleeding for 10 to 20 minutes)
• In all biopsies, a scar is left, and if it is done on the neck or upper torso, this is more likely (the scar will be pink at first, then brown or white, and will gradually disappear)
• Do not put pressure on the biopsied area
• Do not do activities that cause the skin to stretch

How to care for the biopsy site during recovery

• Wash your hands with soap and water before any contact with the biopsy site
• Wash the biopsy site with soap and water, and if it is on the scalp, wash it with shampoo
• Wash the area well
• Dry the area with a clean towel
• Cover the area with a bandage to allow air to enter
• Repeat the same actions until the stitches are removed

tip: In a skin biopsy that does not require stitches, continue to care until the skin heals

Skin biopsy results

The sample is sent to the laboratory, depending on the condition of the skin, the results may take some time

Your doctor may make an appointment to discuss the tests with you

Author: Engineer MohammadRasool Samaei        Editor: Engineer Rasool Yari 

Final adjustment: Engineer Reza Molla alizadeh