Skin biopsy

Skin biopsy at ERA ESTHETIC laser dermatology clinic

Biopsy is an effective way to diagnose skin formations and diseases. Only, when necessary, the dermatologist sends the cell or tissue sample material for histological and cytological examination. Biopsy is the only reliable method for diagnosing oncological processes in various localizations.

Modern biopsy is performed in an inpatient, outpatient manner, does not require general anesthesia and is well tolerated by patients. A skin biopsy feels like an intramuscular injection – virtually painless. With the availability of highly qualified doctors, as well as modern laboratory and diagnostic equipment, skin biopsies achieve up to 99% accuracy.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is one of the diagnostic methods to determine the cause of a skin formation or skin change, and in some cases, this can play an important role to help your doctor make a plan for further treatment. A sample of the formation is taken, or even a whole formation is removed during the skin biopsy for histological examination.

The dermatologist will determine at the time of the visit whether a skin biopsy is required and what type of biopsy will be used in a particular client’s medical situation. To determine need in the skin biopsy, the doctor will perform a visual diagnostic of the skin with the help of a dermatoscopy during the visit, to assess the possible origin of the skin formation or skin changes, the application of treatment methods, as well as to find other answers to important questions for the client. Read more about dermatoscopic diagnostics here >>>.

What is the role of histological examination in the determination of a treatment plan?

General histology is practiced in all medical clinical disciplines that treat the diseased tissue. Various techniques are used to study the structure of cells, tissues and organs of living organisms at the microscopic, submicroscopic and even nanoscale in specimens. It is a method for making an accurate diagnosis in individual cases, which in turn allows the doctor to apply the most appropriate treatment based on the results of the histological responses.

What are the types of skin biopsies?

The choice of the type of skin biopsy will depend on various aspects, such as the type of growth or skin changes, where the growth or skin changes are located, etc.
The results of the histological analysis provide an opportunity to apply the appropriate treatment.

TYPES OF BIOPSY:

Punch biopsy – a special scalpel is used for skin sampling. A punch biopsy is performed to diagnose inflamed skin conditions and remove minor lesions and skin lesions.

Shave biopsy – a surgical blade or scalpel is used to sample the skin. It is only used on superficial structures with damage to the superficial layers of the skin.

Excisional biopsy – the pathology is completely removed, by cutting out also part of the healthy tissue. This method is recommended for safety, for example, by removing the suspicious birthmark with a derogation throughout the thickness of the skin, thus removing the part with the necessary connective tissue.

In what cases a dermatologist will consider a skin biopsy?

Era Esthetic Laser Dermatology Clinic offers consultations by experienced dermatologists and surgeons. Our doctors will help you find optimal solutions for the treatment of skin problems, as well as skin rejuvenation and care. Cases where there is a skin growth or change in the skin in which the doctor would consider performing a skin biopsy if:

• the skin growth is the spot that bothers,

• the skin growth has changed visually,

• the doctor does not like the appearance of the skin growth,

• The skin growth causes a feeling of discomfort, such as itching, pain, etc.

What is the process for a client to get a skin biopsy?

In order to determine the cause of a skin growth or change, it is advisable to first find out and diagnose what it is. This means that in order to have a skin biopsy, you need a visit to a dermatologist, who will use a digital dermascopy to determine what the condition should be and decide if a skin biopsy is needed.

When are the results available, how are the results communicated/interpreted?

The results of the histological test are ready after approximately 12 working days. If necessary, a repeat visit to the doctor is appointed, during which the doctor reviews the results of the histology test and, in agreement with the client, prescribes further therapy.

How to prepare for a skin biopsy and what to observe after the manipulation?

Keep in mind that 48 hours before the manipulation, in preparation for the skin biopsy, it is advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages and foods that might provoke bleeding (garlic, ginseng root, celery and ginkgo biloba).

A bandage should be applied to the wound for the first 48 hours after treatment. During this period, the dressing and wound should not be moistened or mechanically irritated.

Important additional information for customers:

The removal of the stiches usually coincides with the healing time of the wound, depending on its location – 5-14 days.

Lidocaine is one of the most commonly used drugs for local anaesthesia – inform your doctor if you are intolerant to this or other drugs and if you use blood thinners daily, do not stop using them unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.