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 Biopsies

A dermatologist performs skin biopsies to diagnose or rule out skin conditions and/or diseases.  Biopsies can be used to remove skin lesions as well.  After the skin is examined and numbed, your dermatologist will use a special tool to remove a skin sample from your body and submit this for evaluation by a dermatopathologist.  A dermatopathologist is an expert physician who has undergone specific and additional education to diagnose skin conditions with microscopic analysis.  Skin biopsies help your board-certified dermatologist diagnose and better treat your skin condition.  Not all skin conditions :

There are three main types of skin biopsies:

  • Shave biopsy: The dermatologist uses a blade to retrieve a small horizontally oriented section of skin (epidermis and portion of the dermis).

  • Punch biopsy: The dermatologist uses a tool called a punch biopsy tool to retrieve a circular plug of skin from an area of question.  This type of biopsy may require one or a few stitches.

  • Excisional biopsy: The dermatologist uses a small scalpel to remove a larger lesion (or portion of lesion), usually in an ellipse shape.  This type of biopsy is usually close with stitches.

Cyst and Growth Excisions

Benign growths, though not dangerous, may be painful, cosmetically unappealing, and/or cause functional impairment.  For this reason, your board-certified dermatologist is skilled at growth removal.  Depending on the diagnosis, location, depth, and age of the patient, different removal techniques may be employed.  Surgical excisions are among the most common method of growth removal.  In this method, the skin is numbed and prepped, and then the growth is removed either through a small opening created by a scalpel or by creating an elliptical opening.  This is then closed with 2 layers of stitches: deep subcutaneous sutures that absorb slowly over time and superficial sutures that need to be removed after 1 or 2 weeks.  Dr. Chaudhry has performed thousands of excisions and works closely with expert dermatopathologists to ensure confirmation of proper diagnosis.

Skin Cancer Excisions

Once a skin cancer has been diagnosed (usually through a sampling technique called a skin biopsy), the skin cancer must then be removed.  Based on the specific cancer subtype, location, and size of the lesion, removal methods include excision, destruction, radiation, or occasionally chemotherapy creams.  Skin cancer excision is one of the most widely utilized methods of removal.  In this method, the skin is numbed and prepped, and then an elliptical piece of skin is removed (this includes the biopsy site and appropriate margins given the type of skin cancer).  This is then closed with 2 layers of stitches: deep subcutaneous sutures that absorb slowly over time and superficial sutures that need to be removed after 1 or 2 weeks.  Sometimes, to ensure the best closure, least resistance, or to avoid functional impairment, flaps and/or grafts may be employed to yield the best results.  Dr. Chaudhry has performed thousands of skin cancer excisions and works closely with expert dermatopathologists to ensure complete treatment and surveillance over time.