OverviewA skin biopsy is a procedure to remove cells or skin samples from your body for laboratory examination. A doctor uses a skin biopsy to diagnose skin conditions and remove abnormal tissue. Show The three main types of skin biopsies are:
Why it's doneA skin biopsy is used to diagnose or help treat skin conditions and diseases, including:
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RisksA skin biopsy is a generally safe procedure, but complications can occur, including:
How you prepareBefore the skin biopsy, tell your doctor if you:
What you can expectDepending on the location of the skin biopsy, you may be asked to undress and change into a clean gown. A doctor or nurse then cleans the area of the skin to be biopsied. Your skin may be marked to outline the biopsy area. You then receive a medication (local anesthetic) to numb the biopsy site. This is usually given by injection with a thin needle. The numbing medication can cause a burning sensation in the skin for a few seconds. Afterward, you shouldn't feel any pain or discomfort during the skin biopsy. To make sure the anesthetic is working before the procedure begins, the doctor or nurse will prick your skin with a needle and ask you if you feel any sensation. A skin biopsy typically takes about 15 minutes total, including the preparation time, dressing the wound and instructions for at-home care. During the skin biopsyWhat you can expect during your skin biopsy depends on the type of biopsy you'll undergo.
After the skin biopsyYour doctor may instruct you to keep the bandage over the biopsy site until the next day. Occasionally, the biopsy site bleeds after you leave the doctor's office. This is more likely in people taking blood-thinning medications. If this occurs, apply direct pressure to the wound for 20 minutes, then look at it. If bleeding continues, apply pressure for another 20 minutes. If bleeding still continues after that, contact your doctor. All biopsies cause a small scar. Some people develop a prominent, raised scar (keloid). The risk of this is increased when a biopsy is done on the neck or upper torso, such as the back or chest. Scars fade gradually. The scar's permanent color will be evident one or two years after the biopsy. Avoid bumping the area or doing activities that stretch the skin. Stretching the skin could cause the wound to bleed or enlarge the scar. Don't soak in a bathtub, swimming pool or hot tub until your doctor says it's OK — usually about seven days after the procedure. Healing of the wound can take several weeks, but is usually complete within two months. Wounds on the legs and feet tend to heal slower than those on other areas of the body. Clean the biopsy site two times a day unless it's on your scalp — then clean it once a day. Follow these steps:
Continue wound care until the stitches are removed or, if you don't have stitches, until the skin is healed. If your wound is sore, ask your doctor if you can apply ice wrapped in a thin towel. ResultsYour doctor sends the skin biopsy sample to a laboratory for testing. Results may take several days or longer, sometimes up to months, depending on the type of biopsy and the lab's procedures. Your doctor may schedule an appointment to discuss the results. You might want to bring along a family member or friend to help you absorb all the information. Write down questions that you want to ask your doctor, such as:
Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. How is biopsy done for skin rash?A punch biopsy is often used to diagnose rashes. A health care provider will use a razor or a scalpel to remove a sample from the top layer of your skin. Pressure will be applied to the biopsy site to stop the bleeding.
How is a skin biopsy analyzed?Your doctor will send the skin samples to a laboratory. There, a specialist called a pathologist will examine the cells to see if they are cancerous. Laboratories take a few days to a couple of weeks to complete the analysis of biopsy specimens. Once the results are in, your doctor will discuss them with you.
How do you treat a skin biopsy infection?Wash the area gently, do not rub or scrape the site. Use your fingertips to clean the area, a washcloth will irritate it. Pat the site dry. Put Aquaphor® or Vaseline® ointment (from new tube) on the area 45 times a day.
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