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SKIN BIOPSY

So you have been given an appointment for a skin biopsy.....,,,,,,,

A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of skin is removed and usually sent for looking under the microscope. The doctor will first explain to you the procedure and obtain your consent. After that while you are lying comfortably on a couch the lesion to be biopsied is selected. A small amount of local anesthetic is then injected to numb the skin. He will then proceed to biopsy by any one of the following ways.

Excision or wedge biopsy

In this the small piece of skin is removed by an incision with a surgical knife and the edges sutured together. If the stitches need to be taken out then he will instruct you to have it taken out in 5-10 days depending on the area biopsied.

Shave biopsy/curettage & cauterization

In this method no suturing is involved. The lesion is removed and the resulting wound is sealed by electrocautery. The wound crusts and heals in a few weeks time usually with a neat scar.

If the specimen needs to be looked under a microscope it will be studied for any abnormal findings. Your doctor should be able to explain to you the result of these findings after his perusal of the slide.

Please do remember ,,,,,,,

	the needle injection at the start will hurt just a touch
	after the injection there is usually no pain so grit and and bear the injection
	there will be a scar whichever method is used and be prepared for the scar to be lumpy too. In areas like the ears, central chest, shoulders, a more lumpy scar called KELOID can form which will be more bigger than the original problem. A small amount of pain on the day of the biopsy is useful. A course of paracetamol tablets will help to ease the pain.
	take a friend along for biopsies near the eyes and legs as it may affect your driving and mobility.

Help my biopsy site is very painful !!

While a small amount of pain on the day of the biopsy is usual, any increased pain with us yellowish discharge could indicate that the wound is infected. Contact your doctor immediately if there is any yellowish discharge or any throbbing pain.