Skin Biopsy

What is a Skin Biopsy?

A biopsy is the removal of a portion of a growth, or entire growth, from an area of skin. This is done by sterilizing the skin and numbing it with an injection of lidocaine. The injection, given with a small needle, reduces the feeling of pain during the biopsy, and may feel like a “stick and a burn”. The bleeding will be stopped and an antibiotic ointment and band-aid will be placed on the site. This area may feel like a scrape a few hours later. The uncommon risks of this procedure are an allergy to lidocaine (which could result in swelling or hives) or an infection. A small scar may remain at the site of the biopsy. If a shave biopsy is done there are no stitches. If a punch biopsy is performed, two or three sutures will be placed in the skin.

The sample is then sent to Oahu to a dermatopathologist at Queen’s Hospital. Your doctor will get a report with the findings in 3-5 days. We will then notify you with the results.

There are two charges when a biopsy is performed:

• To the dermatologist for removal of the tissue, and
• To the pathologist for preparation and evaluation of the tissue under the microscope. Your insurance will be billed for this portion and you will receive a separate bill from the lab if you have a co-pay.

Care of the Biopsy Site

Shave Biopsy

1. Keep the area dry for 24 hours.
2. The following day, wash the area with soap and water, in the shower is fine. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol on the wound.
3. Pat the area dry and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment. Polysporin or Bacitracin are best (it is okay to use triple antibiotic or Neosporin if you know that you are not allergic to them. They can be purchased at any drugstore for $3-5.00. If you would like an herbal healing salve, Herbal Ed’s Salve can be purchased here from Dr. Traub or Country Comfort from Kona Naturals.
4. Apply a Band-Aid for 3-4 days until the wound is completely healed

Punch Biopsy

1. Follow #1-3 above but leave the Band-Aid on until the sutures are removed.
2. Return to clinic for suture removal

If you find that the wound is becoming more tender, redder or draining pus, it may be a sign of infection. Please call our office with any concerns, 329-1146. Studies have shown that wounds heal better, with less scarring and risk of infection when covered with ointment and a dressing. Hydrogen peroxide inhibits wound healing and should not be used for cleansing.