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A skin biopsy is a minor medical procedure in which a small sample of skin or an abnormal skin lesion is removed for laboratory examination. It can help a doctor investigate an unexplained skin condition, identify the nature of a lump or growth, and determine whether a suspicious lesion requires further treatment. Hout Bay Family Medical Centre has dedicated procedure rooms equipped for biopsies and other minor surgical procedures. Our doctors provide careful assessment, appropriate in-room treatment and follow-up care for patients in Hout Bay and the surrounding areas of Cape Town.
A skin biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin or tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope. The laboratory examination can provide information that may not be visible from an external examination alone and may help distinguish between skin conditions that look similar.
A biopsy may involve taking only a small sample from the affected area or removing the entire visible lesion. The technique used will depend on the lesion’s size, depth, location and appearance, as well as the reason for performing the biopsy.
Having a skin biopsy does not necessarily mean that your doctor believes you have skin cancer. Biopsies are used to investigate many different skin conditions, and not every suspicious-looking lesion is cancerous.
A doctor may recommend a skin biopsy when a diagnosis cannot be made confidently through examination alone or when a lesion needs to be assessed more closely.
Reasons for performing a biopsy may include:
A biopsy can help investigate conditions including inflammatory skin disorders, infections and skin cancers. The sample must be interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history and the doctor’s examination.
Arrange a medical consultation when you notice a new skin lesion or a change in an existing mole, growth or patch of skin.
Changes that should be assessed may include:
These changes do not automatically indicate skin cancer. However, a professional assessment can help determine whether the area should be monitored, treated, biopsied or referred to a dermatologist.
There are several methods of taking a skin biopsy. The doctor will select the most appropriate method according to the location, depth and type of skin concern.
A punch biopsy uses a small circular instrument to remove a cylindrical sample that includes several layers of skin. The wound may be closed with one or more stitches, depending on the size of the sample.
During a shave biopsy, a thin layer of tissue is removed from the surface of a raised or superficial skin lesion. The area may heal naturally without stitches.
An incisional biopsy removes part of a larger lesion so that a representative sample can be examined. Further treatment may be recommended once the laboratory result is available.
An excisional biopsy removes the entire visible lesion, usually together with a small margin where clinically appropriate. The wound is commonly closed with stitches.
Not every biopsy technique will be suitable or available for every patient. The doctor will explain which method is recommended and whether the procedure can be completed at the practice or requires specialist referral.
Your doctor will first examine the affected area and discuss why a biopsy may be helpful. The consultation may include questions about when the lesion appeared, whether it has changed and whether you have experienced bleeding, itching, pain or failure to heal.
Please tell your doctor if you:
Do not stop taking prescribed medication unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so.
The doctor will explain the proposed biopsy, possible risks, expected scarring, wound care and how the results will be communicated. You will have an opportunity to ask questions before providing consent.
The skin surrounding the lesion is cleaned, and a local anaesthetic is usually injected to numb the treatment area. The injection may sting briefly, after which the skin should become numb.
You will remain awake during the procedure. You may feel pressure, touching or movement, but you should tell the doctor if you experience pain or significant discomfort.
The doctor will then remove the required sample using the selected biopsy technique. Depending on the procedure, the wound may be:
The sample is placed in a labelled container and may be sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination.
Most skin biopsies require little preparation. Unless you have been given different instructions, you can generally eat and drink normally before the appointment.
It may be helpful to:
Continue taking prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
The area may remain numb for a short time after the procedure. Once the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience mild tenderness, bruising or discomfort. A small amount of blood or fluid on the dressing may also occur.
Your doctor or healthcare professional will explain:
Aftercare instructions differ according to the location and type of biopsy. Follow the guidance provided for your specific procedure rather than applying unapproved creams or antiseptics.
Keep the area clean and dry for the period recommended by your doctor. Wash your hands before changing the dressing and avoid touching or picking at the wound.
You may need to avoid activities that pull, rub or place pressure on the biopsy site. Excessive movement can cause the wound to bleed or place tension on stitches.
If bleeding occurs, apply firm and continuous pressure using clean gauze or a clean cloth for the period advised by the practice. Contact a healthcare professional if the bleeding does not stop or repeatedly soaks through the dressing.
Skin biopsies are commonly performed minor procedures, but all procedures carry some risk.
Possible complications can include:
Your individual risk may be affected by the location of the biopsy, your medication, existing medical conditions and how your skin normally heals.
A small amount of redness or tenderness may occur as the biopsy site heals. Contact the practice if you develop:
Persistent bleeding, excessive pain, fever, swelling and foul-smelling discharge can require medical assessment.
Any procedure that removes skin can leave a scar. The final appearance will depend on the biopsy technique, the size and location of the wound, your individual healing response and how the area is cared for afterwards.
The scar may initially appear red, raised or darker than the surrounding skin. It will often become flatter and less noticeable over time, although it may not disappear completely.
Tell your doctor if you have previously developed thickened or keloid scars. The expected scar and cosmetic outcome should be discussed before the procedure, particularly when the lesion is on the face or another visible area.
The pathology laboratory will examine the tissue sample and provide a report to the referring doctor. The time required will depend on the type of analysis and whether additional laboratory testing is needed.
Your doctor will explain:
An abnormal result does not always mean that cancer is present. Similarly, some results may require additional examination before a final diagnosis can be confirmed.
Do not assume that no news means the result is normal. Ensure that you understand how and when the practice will contact you and follow up if you have not received the result within the period explained by your doctor.
Your doctor may recommend referral to a dermatologist, surgeon or another specialist when:
Referral does not necessarily mean that a serious condition has been confirmed. It helps ensure that the assessment and procedure take place in the most appropriate medical setting.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre provides skin assessments, biopsies and minor surgical procedures within dedicated procedure rooms at our family-focused GP practice.
Our experienced doctors carefully assess each lesion before recommending a biopsy and provide clear guidance regarding the procedure, wound care, pathology results and any further treatment required.
Patients searching for a skin biopsy in Hout Bay, assessment of a changing mole, investigation of an unusual skin lesion or a doctor offering minor skin procedures in Cape Town can arrange an appointment with Hout Bay Family Medical Centre.
The practice is located at 19 Brighton Street, on the corner of Brighton Street and Albert Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town.
A routine skin-biopsy appointment is not intended for medical emergencies.
Seek urgent medical assistance if you have uncontrolled bleeding, a rapidly spreading skin infection, severe pain, significant swelling, fever with confusion, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Do not delay urgent treatment while waiting for a routine GP appointment.
