In the United States, skin cancer is one of the common causes of cancers often found. It is a serious medical concern that requires examination, diagnosis, and treatment. If ignored, it could lead to life-threatening situations and might become difficult to treat. However, identification of this problem is easy with a skin biopsy test. It can identify if the cancerous cells are present in the skin and can also identify other skin infections. Squamous and basal cells are the most common skin cancer cells that can be detected with this test. You can get this examination at an urgent care service in your town.
Why Is This Test Done?
It is a useful skin evaluation test that can work to identify various skin diseases and conditions. Apart from the identification of cancerous cells, this test is also performed to detect other skin-related issues. For instance, with this, you can also detect inflammatory skin conditions, warts, and skin tags, suspicious moles growth, etc. It is an effective procedure that can detect melanoma which is a common type of skin cancer. Fungal, bacterial infections, and eczema can also be detected through this test. This test would let you alert if the risk is present and early detection is easily curable.
Procedure For Skin Biopsy
Well, it is a less invasive test that is performed by professionals. This test requires utmost precision to derive reliable results. Thus, it is vital to get this examination done by a reputable clinic. However, as per the procedure, first, the cleansing of the biopsy site is needed. The expert would clean the skin and apply a numbing agent on the skin. The skin biopsy test involves a small incision on the skin, so numbing is essential to keep the process pain-free. However, there are various ways to perform this test so let’s look at them below.
Shave Biopsy
This process involves the shaving of the thin layer from the top and around the lesion. This biopsy usually does not need any stitches.
Punch Biopsy
As the name suggests, this process involves the use of a punching device to remove the skin in a circular motion. This process will remove the skin with all layers of a lesion. Well, this incision requires a single stitch after incision.
Excisional Biopsy
It involves the use of a scalpel. The doctor will use this medical instrument to remove the entire lesion. It is useful to make smaller incisions. The procedure requires stitches to close the wound.
Incisional Biopsy
It works by removing the small sample of large lesions.
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After gathering the sample, it will be sent to the lab for testing. The physician will wrap the cut with a binding. You can go home after getting the test done to wait for the results.
What To Expect?
Well, after getting the procedure done on your skin, you are allowed to go back home. The biopsy healing process might take a few days, and you might experience some soreness at the biopsy site. However, pain and discomfort are also expected. Therefore, the doctor will prescribe you medication such as Tylenol. It is sufficient to relieve the pain and soreness. However, you need to pay extra attention to the site, especially if it has stitches. As per the care instructions, you have to keep the area clean and moist. The healing process will complete in a week, and the stitches will be removed. If the bandage is used after incision, you should keep it clean and dry until the healing is completed. The bandage strip will be removed by the doctor during follow-up treatment.
Aftercare Instructions For Biopsy Test
There are some aftercare instructions that you must adhere to during the biopsy healing process. It is necessary to keep the dressing on the wound for 24 hours. Once you are getting the shower, removal of dressing is allowed. However, you must keep the biopsy site covered with a bandage throughout the healing. You should wait until the site is getting scab. Bear in mind that you must not scratch the scab with your nails. It could lead to infection and pain in the biopsy scar. You must also keep it open for air once the scab is formed naturally.
You are allowed to take showers after the test is done on your skin. But, it is advised to stay away from the bathing tub. It could interfere with the healing process and can cause trouble and discomfort. You should also avoid swimming for at least a week after the biopsy test is done.
In case you notice bleeding in the wound, then you need not be panic. You can apply pressure firmly on the wound using gauze. It would help in stopping the bleeding.
You can also use polysporin or bacitracin if some redness is appeared on and around the biopsy site.
To Sum Up
The skin biopsy test is an intuitive way to conclude whether your skin has the disease. The sample will be collected by the pathologist and will be checked under a microscope. It will detect if there are some cancerous skin cells present. So, you can have the right diagnosis with the right testing. It will enable you to detect skin disease early to attain successful treatment. Visit today in your nearest urgent care service to get the biopsy test done effectively.
