Skin is the largest organ of the body that could sometimes get through severe infections, bumps, and allergies. However, all skin ailments are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. But an unusual rash or mole on the skin can put you under mental stress. However, your dermatologist can recommend getting your skin tested medically. This testing can bring out skin biopsy results that can detect the severity of the skin condition. This test can particularly detect melanoma which is skin cancer. However, the doctor can also recommend this test to diagnose skin inflammation conditions like eczema. So, if you have a skin problem and it seems somewhat serious, you can rush to the urgent center for a biopsy.
Why skin biopsy is required?
Biopsies are common procedures that can be performed as an outpatient process. However, you might not need it if the skin condition is not concerning. It is only recommended when a specialist notice something uneven on the skin. A rash or lesion on the skin could be concerning if it is changing persistently. In such a case, a biopsy is needed to find the reason behind the skin ailment. Well, it is not a major surgery but a concise procedure. You can get it done by an expert and can return it to your home. The doctor will provide you with some tips to follow during the biopsy healing process. It helps to make the healing faster and without complications as well. Now, look at the working and types of skin biopsies in the next paragraphs.
How is a skin biopsy performed?
This is considered a minor surgical procedure, so it requires local anesthesia. The doctor will inject an anesthesia dose where a biopsy is intended to perform. Topical anesthesia can also be applied to the skin. Anesthesia works to prevent you from any pain during the process. It will also act to decrease bleeding during the task. So, the anesthesia will be given before an hour of the procedure to let it work efficiently. Then the doctor will use surgical tools to cut a piece of skin to be tested in the lab. The professional picks the right technique of biopsy to acquire reliable skin biopsy results. There are 4 techniques of biopsy for the skin.
Shave biopsy
This procedure works with a scalpel to be angled for taking the specimen of skin. This procedure works to cut the upper and sometimes the second layer of skin. This biopsy usually does not need stitches after performing the procedure.
Punch biopsy
It is a circular-shaped surgical tool that works to cut the suspected skin area. The blade looks like a cookie-cutter that comes with a sharp end to perform the biopsy. It usually needs a single stitch to close the wound.
Excisional biopsy
Sometimes a doctor has to cut the entire lesion to check if it is benign or cancerous. For this procedure, sharp tools are used to remove the lesion entirely to check clinically. This biopsy would need several stitches to close the incision.Â
Incisional biopsy
It tucks for the small part of the lesion to be tested in the laboratory. However, the process is similar to excisional biopsy.
The biopsy will check for the most dangerous skin cancer, melanoma. The result would help the specialist treat the disease using radiation, medicine, and chemotherapy. However, after the biopsy, you can go back home and wait for the results.
Post-operative care
After collecting the sample, the incision would be closed using a gauge and bandage. But you will be provided with tips to take care of the biopsied area at home. This would fasten the biopsy healing process and decrease the pain. You will have to keep the site dry and has to apply ointment to prevent scabbing and irritation. You can also see redness on the treated area, but it will fade away. However, the speed of healing would depend on the size and depth of the cut. But it will take 2 to 3 weeks maximum to heal properly.
To sum up
The purpose of skin biopsy is well-defined. So, you can visit your urgent care center to obtain this service. You can undergo the procedure and can return home and wait for skin biopsy results. The report can take a week or two, so after getting it, you need to consult your dermatologist. The expert will check the cause behind skin ailment with the help of a report to provide the right treatment.
