What Are Skin Biopsies?
Skin biopsies are methods of removing a skin sample from your body for a microscopic diagnosis. The removed skin sample is further tested and thoroughly checked for skin cancer, skin infections, or other abnormal cells. When a skin biopsies procedure is performed, the patient usually feels a small needle stick and slight burning for a few seconds but no pain when performing the biopsies procedures.
By proper examination and tests performed on the samples removed, experts can determine what percentage of skin biopsies are cancer, the kind of cancer present, how fast or slow it would grow, and the possible genetic abnormalities. Your doctor will decide the best type of treatment.
There are three main types of skin biopsies, which are:
Punch Biopsies
In this type of biopsy, a small amount of skin and other underneath tissues (like dermis, epidermis, and superficial fat) are removed using a sharp cutting tool for laboratory examination. This type of biopsy can be done anywhere on the body.
Shave Biopsies
In this type of biopsy test, a thin layer of skin is removed by shaving it off using a small sharp blade. This type is mainly used to remove abnormal areas on the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis and the dermis). However, this biopsy type is recommended when non-melanoma skin cancer is the suspected diagnosis or other conditions, such as warts or skin tags.
Excisional Biopsies
This type of biopsy is the surgical removal of a tumor and some natural tissues around it. The number of normal tissues to be taken depends on how thick the tumor is. When the tumor is completely removed, this procedure can be referred to as an excisional biopsy. However, when a portion of the tumor is removed, it is referred to as an incisional biopsy.
The type of biopsy you need depends on the size and the location of the affected area of the skin.
Are Biopsies Used to Screen or Treat?
As said earlier, skin biopsies are methods of removing a skin sample from your body for a microscopic diagnosis. The collected sample helps your doctor diagnose diseases like infections, cancer, skin tumors, non-cancerous skin tumors, inflammatory skin conditions, actinic keratosis, skin tags, or any form of skin disorder and the infection’s causes after a thorough observation.
Skin Biopsies in Ashland, Kentucky
If you are concerned about an area of your skin, contact Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center in Ashland, KY. We are here for you.
Dr. Basedow is now accepting patients from the following cities: Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Ironville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Canonsburg, Union, and Huntington.
Contact Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center at 606-467-2360 to schedule your personalized appointment today!
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