Treatments

Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a very common procedure performed by dermatologists to evaluate lesions suspicious for skin cancer and also investigate rashes to help determine the diagnosis. Skin biopsies are minor surgical procedures that involve first numbing the site with a local anesthetic. A scalpel, small blade, or circular punch tool is then used to remove the tissue specimen. Electrocautery may be performed to stop bleeding and sometimes sutures are used to close the biopsy site. Dr. Dawson, Dr. Datloff, or a dermatopathologist examines the biopsy specimen under the microscope and generates a pathology report with the diagnosis. It can take 1-2 weeks to obtain the pathology report.

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