Skin biopsy

Skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small part of the skin tissue and sends it to a pathohistological analysis in order to set the final diagnosis of the change. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

It is most often done for the purpose of discovering / proving:

• Malignant skin tumor (skin cancer) that can be suspected when a mole changes color, shape, size, or appearance.

• The origin of various vague or suspected changes in the skin (eg, suspected psoriasis).

• Bacterial or fungal skin infections.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• Biopsy is performed in local anesthesia (you will be conscious during the procedure).

• The site from which the tissue sample is taken is disinfected with alcohol, the edges of the change (adolescents) are marked with a marker and a sample of the skin is taken. Depending on the size and position of the change, there are several different methods by which a skin sample is taken. If a larger skin sample is taken, this place on the skin is stitched.

• The sample is sent to the laboratory for a pathohistological analysis. The result of a pathohistological analysis will be completed in 5-7 days. On the basis of the diagnosis, the dermatologist makes a decision on further therapy (if necessary). If a larger skin sample is taken, this place on the skin is stitched.

POTENTIAL RISKS

There is an extremely small risk of developing an infection, bleeding or scarring after a biopsy.

PREPARATION

• Report to a doctor if you are pregnant or suspected of pregnancy.

• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take in regular therapy and whether you are allergic to some medicines or foods.

• You should stop taking short-term medications to prevent blood clotting (Aspirin, Plavix, Clopidix, Farin, Sincum, Sintra, Pradaxa, Xarelto, eliquis, Fraxiparin) after consultation with your doctor.

AFTER INTERVENTION

• A few days after intervention you may feel mild pain or a biopsy site may bleed.

• It is necessary to maintain adequate hygiene of the biopsy site.

• The seams are removed 3 to 14 days after the biopsy.