Skin Biopsy

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What is it?

Surgical excisions are commonly used to eliminate unwanted or potentially hazardous growths. Lesions that can be dangerous include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. An excision can also serve the purpose of removing a benign lesion, often for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate irritation.

Excisions are frequently referred to as biopsies when used to obtain a sample for lab analysis. A biopsy is a procedure where a sample of your tissue is removed for microscopic evaluation. This diagnostic test is widely used to identify the nature of skin anomalies such as moles, lesions, rashes or growths that might be indicative of skin disorders, allergies, infections or cancer. Biopsies can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment for certain conditions.

Clarkston Dermatology providers perform excisions of all varieties in our offices in Clarkston and Oxford, Michigan.

The types of growths that might necessitate a biopsy for diagnosis include:

• Moles
• Warts
• Cysts
• Actinic keratosis
• Skin cancers
• Skin infections
• Skin tags
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis

What to expect

Prior to an excision, we administer local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. Excisions tend to be relatively quick and patients can return home immediately after a bandage is applied.

Post-excision home care is generally simple and direct. Your dematologist will provide you with guidelines to follow in the days after your procedure. This usually involves changing your dressing, sanitizing the impacted area and utilizing a topical treatment to speed recovery and ward off infection.

If your excision is for diagnosis, your tissue sample is sent to our pathology lab for a microscopic examination. Our lab is fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists, signifying that it adheres to the highest standards of quality and accuracy. When results are available, our team promptly communicates results with patients to minimize any anxiety from waiting for a diagnosis.