Excisional Biopsy
An excisional biopsy removes an entire skin lesion and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue for analysis. It is often chosen over shave or punch biopsies when complete removal is needed for accurate diagnosis, particularly for suspicious or irregular lesions, or when therapeutic removal is desired. This makes is especially useful for diagnosing conditions like melanoma or when the lesion's depth and edges must be fully assessed.
How It
Works
​​​​​​​
-
Preparation: The area is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is administered to num the area, ensuring comfort during the procedure.
​​​
-
Excision: The lesion, along with a small margin of healthy skin, is carefully removed. The size of the margin depends on the type of lesion and its location.
​​
-
Closure: The wound is typically closed with sutures.
​​
-
Lab Analysis: The tissue is sent to a lab to determine if it's benign or malignant.
Excisional biopsy is a reliable and essential diagnostic tool. Your provider will consider the following when determining if this is the best option for you.​​​​​​
​
-
Risks and Complications: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or scarring. Scarring is typically minimal but may be more pronounced in certain areas or with larger excisions.
​​​
-
Healing Time: Healing times vary depending on the size and location of the excision. Small lesions may heal within a couple of weeks, while larger excisions may require longer recovery..
​​
-
Location of the Lesion: This method can be performed on all body areas, but careful consideration is used when excising lesions from delicate or visible areas (face, hands).
​​
-
Cosmetic Outcomes: Excisional biopsy may leave a scar, but the size of the scar will depend on the size of the lesion excised. Your provider will discuss potential cosmetic outcomes and the best approach for minimizing scarring, especially in highly visible areas.
​
-
Additional Treatments: If the excision reveals cancerous or malignant cells, it's possible that further treatment may be necessary.
Considerations
After Treatment
Contact us if you notice any of the following:
Signs of Infection: fever, tenderness or redness, swelling, warmth, or pus at the the wound site.
Excessive Bleeding: bleeding that doesn't stop after applying gentle pressure for 10-15 minutes.
Severe Pain: pain that isn't relieve by OTC pain medication.
Wound Opening: if stitches come apart or the wound reopens.
Delayed Healing: if the wound doesn't show signs of healing within the expected timeframe.
​
Talk to a Specialist
If you have a suspicious skin lesion or an unusual growth, consulting a specialist is essential. Our providers can assess whether an excisional biopsy or another type of biopsy is needed. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment, especially for skin cancers like melanoma.