Skin biopsy

Skin Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a sample of cells or tissue for examination. A skin biopsy is performed when changes appear in the skin, to confirm a diagnosis, or after the removal of a lesion. A biopsy helps diagnose melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell skin cancer, cutaneous lymphoma, and other skin conditions.

During the Procedure

A skin biopsy may be performed using different techniques, depending on the location of the body and the type of lesion being examined. The physician may remove a small portion of the upper skin layers (the epidermis and part of the dermis) or use a special instrument to obtain a tissue “core” that includes deeper layers (the epidermis, dermis, and superficial fatty tissue). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is therefore not painful.

Biopsy A biopsy is a minimally invasive and one of the most accurate diagnostic methods for identifying many diseases, including inflammatory and infectious conditions, as well as benign and malignant cellular changes.

X-ray, ultrasound, and other clinical examinations may reveal that an internal organ is enlarged or that its structure has changed. A biopsy helps determine the cause of these changes by allowing microscopic evaluation of tissue and organ abnormalities. A biopsy is a relatively quick and minimally painful procedure that can be performed both in a hospital setting and on an outpatient basis. Samples can be taken from numerous organs, as well as from mucous membranes and blood vessels.
Each type of organ biopsy requires a specific technique and appropriate preparation. Healthcare professionals performing the biopsy will provide detailed instructions regarding any necessary preparation. Biopsies are performed by specialists in the relevant field (e.g., a pulmonologist for lung biopsies, a dermatologist for skin biopsies, a nephrologist for kidney biopsies, a hematologist for bone marrow biopsies, etc.).

Using specialized instruments, tissue or cell samples can be collected from almost any organ in the human body. The collected specimen (biopsy sample) is sent to a laboratory for histological or cytological examination.
The biopsy fee includes the biopsy procedure itself.