how accurate is a skin biopsy?

Question

Answer 1

Skin biopsy: This really depends on what is being biopsied. For a "nodule" or "bump," to rule out cancer, a biopsy is usually likely to give a very accurate diagnosis, although some early forms of cancer can be difficult. Biopsies of "rashes" are more tricky. Sometimes the histology is classical, and a very specific diagnosis can be made. But sometimes the biopsy has a non-specific appearance.

Answer 2

Yes: Skin biopsies are routinely performed by dermatologists and primary care doctors on a regular basis. It is one of the most commonly performed procedures in a dermatologists office. If a doctor recommends a biopsy, you should always be given a reason for it. A second opinion can be requested prior to allowing a biopsy if you feel it is unnecessary.

Answer 3

Very: This simple procedure is usually done in an office setting using local anesthesia. The sample is analyzed by a pathologist and/or the surgeon. Excisional biopsy of large lesions and immediate reconstruction can be done under local or with sedation or general anesthesia.

Answer 4

Yes: Follow instructions from physician re after care .Keep ot clean and will heal without an infection .If it rarely becomes infected see doctor who did biopsy.

Answer 5

Yes.: Yes, unless the adhesive part would be on the delicate skin around the eye, nipple, or anus. Skin in these areas is particularly delicate.

Answer 6

2-3 weeks: If the biopsy was closed with a suture, the suture comes out in a week, and it takes another week to heal completely, except perhaps for a bit of redness at the site. Large biopsies, and biopsies in high-movement areas, might take a little longer.

Answer 7

It : It depends on how complex the lesion is and whether you are having mohs surgery done. Mohs surgery takes longer because small sections of the area are removed and analyzed under a microscope to determine if the lesion was completely removed. Because the mohs surgery is more conservative it will take more steps and a longer time. Additionally, the time of surgery is also affected by how long it takes to close the resulting defect.

Answer 8

5-10 minutes: A simple skin biopsy can be performed in just a few minutes.

Answer 9

Depends: The biopsy itself is very quick--can be done in a few minutes. But the appointment can take much longer if you have a lot of questions. Also, if the doctor thinks you have an obvious skin cancer, they may spend more time talking to you about treatment options to get you prepared for the next step.

Answer 10

Accurate: Discuss with your dermatologist.

Answer 11

Lupus biopsy: Biopsy of lupus has a number of features that lead to diagnosis: a thickened basement membrane, vacuolar alteration of basal keratinocytes and superficial and deep inflammatory infiltrate. Lupus has a number of different forms in the skin and there are times when it is not easy to differentiate it from other types of skin inflammation. There are other tests to support diagnosis.

how accurate is a skin biopsy?

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