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Diagnosis
If you have a change on the skin, the doctor must find out whether it is due to
cancer or to some other cause. Your doctor removes all or part of the area that
does not look normal. The sample goes to a lab. A
pathologist
checks the sample
under a microscope. This is a
biopsy.
A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose
skin cancer.
You may have the biopsy in a doctor's office or as an
outpatient in a clinic or hospital. Where it is done depends on the size and
place of the abnormal area on your skin. You probably will have
local anesthesia.
There are four common types of skin biopsies:
-
Punch biopsy:
The doctor uses a sharp, hollow tool to remove a circle of
tissue from the abnormal area.
-
Incisional biopsy:
The doctor uses a
scalpel
to remove part of the
growth.
-
Excisional biopsy:
The doctor uses a scalpel to remove the entire growth
and some tissue around it.
-
Shave biopsy:
The doctor uses a thin, sharp blade to shave off the
abnormal growth.
You may want to ask your doctor these questions before having a biopsy:
-
Which type of biopsy do you recommend for me?
-
How will the biopsy be done?
-
Will I have to go to the hospital?
-
How long will it take? Will I be awake? Will it hurt?
-
Are there any risks? What are the chances of infection or bleeding after the
biopsy?
-
What will my scar look like?
-
How soon will I know the results? Who will explain them to me?
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