A 47-year-old member asked:
how accurate is a skin biopsy?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Marilda Chung answered
Pathology 36 years experience
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.
3413 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A member asked:
Is skin biopsy a very common procedure?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeremy Man answered
Dermatology 17 years experience
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.
6024 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Band-aid adhesive ok after skin biopsy?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Morris Westfried answered
Dermatology 46 years experience
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.
5964 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
How long does it take for small skin biopsy to heal?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Joseph Eastern answered
Dermatology 44 years experience
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.
5904 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
How long does a skin biopsy appointment usually last? I am nervous about my upcoming biopsy I have scheduled. How long does a procedure like this usually last?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. G Funari answered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 45 years experience
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.
5332 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
South Beloit, IL
A 42-year-old female asked:
How accurate is a skin biopsy for lupus? Can you have a false/ positive test result?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Jackson answered
Dermatology 43 years experience
Accurate: Discuss with your dermatologist.
5152 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 12, 2017
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