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Skin Biopsy
Skin Biopsy
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Skin Biopsy
Category: Histology.
Subcategory: Organ biopsies.
Material studied: Skin.
Estimated cost of test: $125.00.
Patient time for test: 10-15 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Good.
Available as home self-test? No.
BEFORE THE TEST
Purpose of test:
Determines whether skin abnormality is benign* or malignant*.
Helps confirm diagnosis of some bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Where is test performed?
Hospital, doctor's office, freestanding surgical center. Specimen is tested in a pathology laboratory.
Who performs test?
Surgeon.
Risks and precautions:
Surgical risk increases with:
Obesity, stress, smoking.
Poor nutrition.
Recent or chronic illness.
Use of some drugs, such as anti-hypertensives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleep inducers, insulin, sedatives, beta-adrenergic blockers or cortisone.
Use of mind-altering drugs, including narcotics, psychedelics, hallucinogens, marijuana, sedatives, hypnotics or cocaine.
Tell your doctor about any medication you take.
Tell your doctor if you have any reactions or allergies to anesthetics or analgesics.
Patient preparation:
Activity--No changes necessary.
Diet--Don't eat any food or drink any liquid for at least 12 hours before test.
Medicines--No changes necessary.
Disrobing--Only enough to expose biopsy site.
THE TEST
Sensory factors:
Touching--There will be temporary, mild pain from the injection of local anesthetic.
Seeing--You will see all the surroundings in the operating room, including lights, equipment and personnel.
Hearing--You will hear strange noises associated with the sterile-suction apparatus and surgical instruments.
Smelling--Antiseptic solutions, anesthetic agents and preserving solutions, such as formaldehyde, may have characteristic odors.
Feeling--Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
Equipment used:
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For all tests:
Adhesive bandage.
Local anesthetic.
Antiseptic solution.
Specimen bottle.
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For punch biopsy:
Skin punch.
Forceps or a needle.
Stitches (needed in some cases).
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For shave biopsy:
Scalpel.
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For excision biopsy:
Scalpel.
Stitches.
Description of test:
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For all tests:
You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you.
The anesthetic is administered.
You may experience some discomfort during the injection of the local anesthetic.
The procedure does not begin until you are numb.
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For punch biopsy:
Skin is cleaned with antiseptic.
Oval core is removed from the center or border of the lesion with the skin punch and placed in the specimen bottle.
Stitches may be needed to close the skin.
Adhesive bandage is applied to the biopsy site.
Tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
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For shave biopsy:
Skin is cleaned with antiseptic.
Outer part of the skin area is shaved off with scalpel and placed in specimen bottle.
Adhesive bandage is applied to the biopsy site.
Tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
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For excision biopsy:
Skin is cleaned with antiseptic.
Entire suspect area is surgically removed.
Stitches may be needed to close the skin.
Adhesive bandage is applied to the biopsy site.
Tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
AFTER THE TEST
Immediate post-test care:
Keep bandage dry.
Recovering from a local anesthetic, your vital signs are checked and pain medication provided, if needed.
Activity after test:
If you have stitches, keep the area clean and dry.
Facial stitches are removed in 3 to 5 days. Stitches in the arms or legs are removed in 7 to 14 days.
Adhesive strips are left in place 14 to 21 days.
If you have any pain at the biopsy site, ask for medication to relieve it.
Notify your doctor if you notice extensive swelling, tenderness, redness or pus discharge at the biopsy site.
Time before test results available:
1 or more days.
TEST RESULTS
Test values:
Test results are determined by examining stained tissue under the microscope.
Normal values:
No malignant* cells.
What ABNORMAL may indicate:
Cultures of skin biopsy diagnose bacterial or yeast infections.
Cysts*.
Dermatofibromas*.
Keloids*.
Malignancy* (the distinct type).
Moles.
Neurofibroma*.
Seborrheic dermatitis*.
Taking these drugs may affect test results:
None expected.
Other factors that may affect test results:
Failure to fast overnight.
*See Glossary.
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From Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Fisher Books. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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