Skin Lesion Biopsy

During your skin check, if your doctor finds a skin lesion which is suspicious for cancer, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to guide towards the best option treatment and management.

Taking a biopsy can assist in making the correct treatment and management plan by confirming the diagnosis of skin cancer, confirming the sub-type, potential depth or any possibility of spread. We can then tailor an individualised management plan for treatment and follow up to each patient.


A variety of biopsy techniques are available including shave, punch, excisional and incisional biopsies - your practitioner will choose the most appropriate biopsy technique depending on the type, location and size of the skin lesion. Mostly, these biopsies can be done in the same appointment as your skin examination. A small sample of the suspicious lesion is removed and then sent to a specialist pathology for examination for diagnosis.

FAQs

  • Your doctor will explain the type of biopsy required, and in most instances this biopsy can be performed on the same day as your check appointment. Excisional biopsies are performed on a separate procedural list and this can be scheduled after discussing with your doctor. A small amount of local anaesthetic will be injected around the biopsy site and then a sample will be collected to be sent onto the pathology laboratory

  • Discomfort associated with the biopsy is minimal. The local anaesthetic feels similar to a vaccination, and then no discomfort will be felt. If you have a needlephobia, please inform your doctor so we can best support you.

  • Our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to minimize complications and ensure full wound healing to optimise cosmetic outcomes. These instructions will be provided post procedure.  Aftercare following skin lesion biopsy is minimal and may involve the applications of aftercare creams or gels (such as stratamed or vaseline) or wound dressings. Normal activity can generally be resumed after the procedure and many return to work the same day.

    Small scars can result from the procedure which are often less noticeable than the original lesion/mole itself. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is uncommon. Please note biopsies are intended for diagnostic purposes and not for treatment - depending on the biopsy result further treatment may be necessary.

    If you have any concerns after your biopsy, please contact us.

  • The biopsy specimen will be sent for histopathological examination at an independent pathology laboratory - results take up to two weeks to return. Removal of the sutures (if required) will be arranged at your check appointment and the timing of this appointment varies according to the body site of the procedure. You will receive a text message or phone call when your results return.

  • All simple (punch or shave) biopsies if performed at the same time as a check appointment will be included in the cost of the appointment.

    If performed at a separate appointment these will incur an additional consult fee (see Pricing).