Awareness in the general population of the importance of catching skin cancer at its earliest stages has resulted in more skin biopsies being done. The National Cancer Institute advises that moles should be closely examined by a doctor if they change color, increase in size, develop irregular outlines or change in any way. Often, the doctor will do a skin biopsy on such a mole.
What is a Skin Biopsy?
A skin biopsy is a simple procedure that is most often done in the doctor's office. The average skin biopsy only takes a few minutes. The site is numbed, the sample taken and the incision stitched closed in most instances. The biopsy can involve taking an entire mole or a sample of the tissue to be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist.
It is the pathologist that determines if the cells of the tissue are normal, dysplastic, or have cancerous properties. It is usually 4 to 10 days before the biopsy results return.
There are several different types of skin biopsies. Incisional, exisional, shave, punch, curettage, fine needle and saucerization are all types you may hear mentioned. For most moles an excisional biopsy is common. Each tool has a particular situation in which it is best used.
Skin Biopsy and Your Doctor
A return visit to the doctor to review any skin biopsy result should occur to decide on treatment options. Early detection could result in minimal surgery taking care of the situation. Current practice is that less than half an inch of normal tissue around the mole needs to be taken when treating early melanomas.
If cancer cells have already spread through the lymphatic system other measures will need to be discussed. Immunotherapy may be recommended.
People who have fair skin, freckles and have experienced severe, blistering sunburns may have a greater risk of melanoma. Having a family history of skin cancer or having more than 50 ordinary moles are risk factors to be considered. Several sites on the internet offer pictures of normal, dysplastic and melanoma moles. Check your moles and compare them to what you have seen.
Limiting the amount of time your skin is exposed to sunlight tops the list of preventative measures you can take. Liberal use of sunscreen and wearing coverings for your head, arms, and hands is advised when you are going to be in the sun for an undetermined amount of time. If there are any changes to existing moles, discuss a skin biopsy with your doctor.
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References:
National Cancer Institute
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