The appearance of an irregular mole or lesion has to be addressed as quickly as possible. The most appropriate course of action is to contact a doctor and schedule a skin biopsy. This diagnostic procedure is performed to evaluate unusual growths and determine if they pose a cancer risk. Catching this disease early is the best chance of ensuring it doesn’t become life-threatening. Contact Dr. Williams here at InnovateMed to learn more about this procedure and how it can help you.
A skin biopsy is a medical procedure that involves the removal of a small sample of skin tissue for examination under a microscope. The procedure is typically done to diagnose or rule out various skin conditions, such as skin cancer, infections, autoimmune disorders, or allergic reactions.
There are several types of skin biopsies, including shave biopsies, punch biopsies, and excisional biopsies, which differ in the size and depth of the tissue sample taken. The type of biopsy performed will depend on the suspected diagnosis and the location and size of the affected area.
During the procedure, Dr. Williams will clean and numb the area of the skin to be biopsied and then use a scalpel, punch tool, or other instrument to remove a small tissue sample. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist, who will examine the tissue under a microscope and provide a diagnosis based on their findings.
This procedure is necessary for evaluating growths that appear irregular. If you’re unsure whether you need a skin biopsy for your growth, it’s a good idea to consider the ABCDE criteria.
A – Asymmetry: If you draw a line through a mole and the two halves do not match, it is asymmetrical, a warning sign for melanoma.
B – Border: The borders of early melanoma are often uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
C – Color: Moles with various colors is another characteristic of melanoma. Melanoma can be different shades of brown, tan, or black; melanomas can also become red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: The diameter of melanomas is usually larger than a pencil eraser but can also be smaller.
E – Evolving: If a mole is evolving (changing), have it evaluated by your dermatologist. Changes in size, shape, color, elevation, and the tendency to bleed, itch, or crust are signs of melanoma.
A skin biopsy can be an effective diagnostic tool if you believe you may have a cancerous lesion. We can perform this diagnostic test here at our Dodge City office. You can get started and review your options by clicking the “Enroll Now” button below.
We offer appointments for aesthetic services and enrollment options for primary care. If you have questions or if you'd prefer to start with a consultation, please fill out the form below or call our office at (620) 412-8943.
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