While they’re easy to disregard, certain skin growths or rashes may be an early warning sign of cancer or sign of internal disease. That is why abnormal skin lesions or rashes should be evaluated in a timely manner. If you have a spot or rash that concerns you, we can perform a skin exam and if necessary, perform a punch biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Schedule in Mesa, Arizona, to learn more.
What Is a Punch Biopsy?
A punch biopsy is a medical procedure that uses a small cookie-cutter-like tool to obtain a small skin sample for laboratory (histological) examination. The process involves the removal of a small 3 to 6 mm cylinder of skin from the area of interest. It is a relatively low-risk procedure that is typically performed with a local anesthetic.
What Can I Expect?
A punch biopsy of the skin takes only a few minutes and does not require any hospitalization. Moreover, minimal downtime is needed after this procedure. A local anesthetic is injected into the site to reduce discomfort and pain, then a sterile punch tool is used to obtain the specimen. The biopsy sample is then sent to a lab for histological analysis.
When Is This Procedure Necessary?
In certain cases, a visual examination may not be enough to determine the nature of a lesion or rash. At those times, a punch biopsy can serve as a great diagnostic tool. This procedure can help us obtain the correct diagnosis so that the best treatment plan can be selected.
Schedule a Punch Biopsy Test in Mesa, Arizona
The appearance of an abnormal skin lesion or rash should be taken seriously. If you’ve noticed a strange growth or a persistent rash on your skin, we can perform a physical exam and biopsy to accurately diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan. Get started by filling out the form below or calling 480-681-DERM (3376).