Diagnostic incisional or excisional sampling of suspicious masses and lesions in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, or soft tissue.
Indication
- Skin or soft tissue masses of unclear diagnosis
- Lesions that grow rapidly, harden, or change color
- Suspicious soft tissue formations on imaging
- Chronic skin lesions unresponsive to treatment
- Investigation of the cause of enlarged lymph nodes
- Confirmation of the diagnosis of conditions such as lymphoma or sarcoma
- Re-evaluation of tissue obtained during treatment follow-up
Preparation
- Use of blood thinners is adjusted with the physician's approval
- Any history of bleeding disorders is reported to the physician
- Active inflammation in the lesion area is treated first
- Skin should be clean and free of perfume before the procedure
- If sedation is planned, 6-8 hours of fasting may be recommended
How it's performed
- The biopsy site is disinfected and covered with a sterile drape
- The area is numbed with local anesthesia
- Depending on the lesion size, an incisional (taking a piece of the lesion) or excisional (removing the entire lesion) biopsy is performed
- The tissue sample is placed in an appropriate fixative solution and sent to the pathology laboratory
- The incision is closed with aesthetic sutures; a drain may be placed if needed
- Results are typically ready for evaluation within 5-10 business days
Post-procedure
- Same-day discharge; most patients can return to general activity within 24-48 hours
- Suture removal is planned between 7-14 days
- Keep the dressing dry for the first 48 hours
- An appointment with the physician is scheduled when the pathology result is available, and the next step is planned
- Depending on the result, additional imaging, further biopsy, or treatment may be considered
Risks
- Local bleeding, hematoma, or bruising
- Wound infection (rare)
- A small permanent skin scar
- Temporary involvement of an adjacent nerve or vessel (depending on location)
- Possibility of repeating the biopsy if the sample is inadequate
FAQ
How long does a biopsy result take?
The result of a standard soft tissue biopsy is generally ready in 5-10 business days; the time may be longer if special staining is required.
Does having a biopsy spread cancer?
Scientific evidence shows that a properly performed biopsy does not cause cancer to spread. Remaining undiagnosed carries a much greater risk.
Does a biopsy always indicate that something is malignant?
No. A biopsy provides the actual diagnosis of suspicious lesions; the result is often benign.
Is there pain after a biopsy?
Mild pain or tenderness may last a few days and is usually controlled with simple pain relievers.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Lipoma/cyst excision
Surgical Outpatient Services
Lipoma and cyst excision — surgical removal of subcutaneous fatty and fluid-filled lesions under local anesthesia.
Wound care and debridement
Surgical Outpatient Services
Wound care and debridement — removal of nonviable tissue and support of healing in chronic and acute wounds.
Abscess Drainage
Surgical Outpatient Services
Abscess drainage — surgical evacuation of inflammatory collections in the skin and soft tissue.
Scar revision
Surgical Outpatient Services
Scar revision — surgical treatment of hypertrophic, keloid, and function-limiting scar tissue.
Burn reconstruction
Surgical Outpatient Services
Burn reconstruction — surgical correction of healed burn scars, contractures and functional loss.
Liposuction
Surgical Outpatient Services
Liposuction — surgical removal of localized fat deposits with the help of a cannula.
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Inguinal hernia repair — surgical repair of a groin hernia using mesh or tissue technique.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Umbilical hernia repair — surgical correction of a hernia at the navel.