Skin Biopsy

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Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

This leaflet is aimed at patients undergoing skin biopsy and gives them information about the procedure and skin care following a biopsy.

Biopsy means taking a small sample of skin, after numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, in order to examine this sample under the microscope.

A biopsy is done in order to make a diagnosis of a skin condition or to remove some abnormalities (e.g. moles). Making a correct diagnosis will help in a more successful management of your condition. It may also inform us whether we need to refer you further to more specialised services (e.g. Dermatology, Urology, Gynaecology).

Sometimes the biopsy may not reveal anything in addition to what is already known but may be helpful in ruling out cancer.

Please bring a list of any medication you are on. If you are on Warfarin, please make sure to have your INR checked 2-3 days before your biopsy appointment. If it is below 2 or above 3.5 please contact us as your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

There is no need to stop antiplatelet medicines (such as Aspirin or Clopidogrel) or other anticoagulants such as Rivaroxaban. The risk of bleeding and bruising is higher with these medications but we do not recommend stopping them.

Please tell us if you have any allergies to medications, including local anaesthetics.

You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment.

Although the procedure is really straightforward, rarely, some people may experience light-headedness

afterwards.

The doctor will explain why you need the procedure, what it involves, when to expect the results of your biopsy (the report from the histology department) and answer any questions you might have.

A verbal consent will be obtained once you agree to have the procedure and you understand what it involves.

A local anaesthetic will be given in order to numb the area from where the biopsy is to be taken. This involves an injection which may cause a momentary discomfort (it may sting for a few seconds). The rest of the procedure is pain free, once the local anaesthetic takes effect. You may feel some pressure/pulling but no pain.

The procedure may take anything from 10 to 30 minutes.

One or more biopsies may be needed and therefore more than 1 injections will be given.

Not all biopsies require stitches. On some occasions, pressure and application of a solution that stops bleeding (Monsell’s solution) may be enough. On

others, a stitch may be required.

The stitches used are dissolvable. Most stitches should dissolve or fall out within 2 weeks but sometimes it takes longer. If the wound has healed and the stitches not fully dissolved then contact us in order to have them removed.

Once the local anaesthetic wears off (usually 30-40 mins) you may experience a small degree of soreness. If so, this can be managed with simple pain relief such as Paracetamol.

The wound will be dressed although certain areas, such as the genitals, make dressing difficult or impossible. In this case it should be left uncovered. Healing takes 1 to 3 weeks but you should be able to return to normal activity within 1 to 3 days.

Keep the area dry for 48 hours. If there is a dressing, leave it on for 24-48 hours. After this you can shower and wash the area gently, although soaking in the bath (or swimming) should be avoided for a few more days. Avoid perfumed products or chemicals until healing is achieved. Use water and mild soap only. Do not scrub your wound, just pat it dry.

Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide or alcohol-based products on the stitches.

You may use a thin layer of clean Vaseline or an

antibiotic ointment if so advised, with clean hands. If there is any bleeding, apply firm pressure using a gauze for 5 to 10 minutes. Bruising or mild swelling

may also occur. Bruising may last for up to 1-2 weeks.

A small scar at the site of the biopsy is common.

The results of the biopsy may take up to 3 weeks. Once we receive them, we will either write to you with the results or call you. A follow up appointment, if needed, will also be given to you in order to discuss the results and decide on further management of the condition.

If the results suggest the need for referral to more specialised services, such as the vulva clinic or Urology, a referral will be made by us and you will be informed of this.

The clinic will contact you either with a letter of appointment or a text message, depending on the

circumstances in which the biopsy was booked. Please remember that the clinician performing the procedure may be either male or female. If you wish to be seen by a clinician of a specific gender, please inform the clinic beforehand.

We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please speak to a member of staff or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):

Freephone: 0800 183 0204

From abroad: +44 115 924 9924 ext 85412 or 82301

Deaf and hard of hearing: text 07812 270003

E-mail: nuhnt.pals@nhs.net

Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS, Freepost NEA 14614,

Nottingham NG7 1BR