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Leg ulcer biopsy - Large Biopsy 3-6 cm
Biopsy
Report in 288Hrs
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No Fasting Required
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Biopsy of soft tissue or ulcers.
₹666₹951
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Leg Ulcer Biopsy - Large Biopsy 3-6 cm
- Why is it done?
- To obtain tissue samples from leg ulcers for microscopic examination and diagnosis of underlying pathology
- To differentiate between various types of leg ulcers including venous, arterial, diabetic, vasculitic, and neoplastic ulcers
- To evaluate for malignancy, particularly when ulcers have atypical features, irregular borders, raised edges, or fail to heal within expected timeframe
- To identify infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, or atypical organisms in chronic or non-healing ulcers
- To confirm suspected inflammatory or autoimmune conditions affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues
- Typically performed when ulcers are refractory to standard treatment, have unusual clinical presentation, or when diagnosis remains unclear after clinical evaluation
- Normal Range
- Histological Findings (Normal/Negative Results):
- No malignant cells - absence of dysplasia or carcinoma
- Normal epithelial layer with intact basement membrane
- No significant inflammation or granulation tissue
- No infectious organisms on special stains or cultures
- Histology consistent with common benign ulcer types (venous or arterial insufficiency changes)
- Special Stains (When Performed):
- Gram stain - negative for significant bacterial colonization
- Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) - negative for fungal organisms
- Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) stain - negative for mycobacterial infection
- Interpretation
- Malignancy Detection:
- Positive for squamous cell carcinoma - indicates malignant transformation, typically at ulcer edges
- Positive for basal cell carcinoma - suggests sun-damaged skin or chronic sun exposure
- Positive for melanoma - indicates primary or secondary melanomatous lesion
- Dysplastic changes without invasive disease - indicates premalignant state requiring monitoring or excision
- Vascular Etiology:
- Venous insufficiency pattern - dilated capillaries, fibrosis, hemosiderin deposits indicating chronic venous disease
- Arterial insufficiency pattern - ischemic changes, minimal inflammation, lipid accumulation in vessel walls
- Infectious Findings:
- Positive for fungal elements - indicates mycotic infection (candida, dermatophytes, or endemic fungi)
- Positive for acid-fast bacilli - suggests tuberculosis, atypical mycobacteria (MAC, M. marinum), or leprosy
- Positive bacterial culture with heavy colonization - indicates polymicrobial infection or secondary infection
- Inflammatory/Vasculitic Findings:
- Vasculitis pattern - immune complex deposition, vessel wall inflammation, leukocytoclasia suggesting autoimmune condition
- Granulomatous inflammation - suggests sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or fungal infection
- Panniculitis - indicates subcutaneous fat inflammation from autoimmune, infectious, or trauma-related causes
- Other Conditions:
- Diabetic ulcer pattern - neuropathic changes, hyalinized blood vessels, minimal inflammation
- Pressure ulcer characteristics - layers showing skin breakdown, possible bone involvement
- Pyoderma gangrenosum - dense neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis or granulomas
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Integumentary system (skin and subcutaneous tissue) - direct tissue sampled
- Vascular system (venous and arterial circulation) - underlying vascular insufficiency
- Nervous system - neuropathic changes affecting diabetic ulcers
- Immune system - autoimmune conditions causing ulceration
- Conditions Commonly Associated with Abnormal Results:
- Malignancies - squamous cell carcinoma (Marjolin ulcer), basal cell carcinoma, melanoma
- Chronic venous insufficiency - accounts for 60-80% of leg ulcers
- Peripheral arterial disease - ischemic ulcers from atherosclerosis
- Diabetes mellitus - neuropathic ulcers with peripheral vascular disease
- Vasculitis - polyarteritis nodosa, microscopic polyangiitis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated disease
- Pyoderma gangrenosum - rapidly progressive necrotic ulcers, often associated with IBD or hematologic malignancy
- Livedoid vasculopathy - painful ulcers with livedoid rash
- Tuberculosis - indolent ulcers with granulomatous inflammation
- Fungal infections - sporotrichosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis
- Pressure ulcers - Stage III-IV with deep tissue involvement
- Atypical mycobacterial infections - Mycobacterium marinum, MAC in immunocompromised patients
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Results:
- If malignancy confirmed - metastatic spread, systemic disease, reduced survival without prompt treatment
- If serious infection identified - sepsis, systemic dissemination, amputation risk
- If vasculitis diagnosed - risk of skin necrosis, permanent disfigurement, need for systemic immunosuppression
- Chronic non-healing ulcers - persistent pain, functional impairment, increased infection risk
- Follow-up Tests
- If Malignancy is Diagnosed:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining - for tumor classification and prognosis markers
- Complete skin examination - to identify additional lesions or satellite tumors
- Imaging studies - CT scan, MRI, or PET scan for staging and metastatic evaluation
- Lymph node assessment - sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymphoscintigraphy
- Oncology consultation - for treatment planning (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy)
- If Infection is Identified:
- Culture and sensitivity testing - to guide antimicrobial therapy
- Fungal culture and identification - if fungal elements present
- Blood cultures - to assess for systemic infection or bacteremia
- Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) - to evaluate for subcutaneous abscess or osteomyelitis
- If Vasculitis or Inflammatory Condition Suspected:
- Serological testing - ANCA panel, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor, complement levels
- Complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel - assess inflammatory markers
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) - markers of inflammation
- Immunofluorescence testing - if vasculitis confirmed histologically
- Rheumatology consultation - for systemic disease evaluation
- If Vascular Etiology Confirmed:
- Duplex ultrasonography - to assess venous/arterial flow dynamics
- Arterial blood pressure measurement (ankle-brachial index, ABI) - in arterial insufficiency
- Angiography - to define precise vascular anatomy for intervention planning
- Vascular surgery consultation - for revascularization assessment
- If Diabetic Ulcer Confirmed:
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - assess long-term glucose control
- X-ray imaging - to exclude osteomyelitis in diabetic feet
- Neuropathy assessment - monofilament testing, vibration perception testing
- Endocrinology consultation - for diabetes optimization
- General Monitoring for All Cases:
- Clinical assessment and photography - document healing progress or deterioration
- Repeat biopsy - if initial biopsy inconclusive or if clinical picture changes significantly
- Wound culture - obtained with biopsy if active infection suspected, culture results obtained within 48-72 hours
- Fasting Required?
- No - fasting is not required for leg ulcer biopsy
- Medications:
- Continue all regular medications including oral agents; patient should take medications as scheduled with normal meal
- Anticoagulants (warfarin) - continue unless specifically instructed otherwise; discuss INR status with provider
- Antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel) - may be continued unless provider specifies otherwise
- Topical wound treatments - should be cleaned from ulcer area prior to procedure
- Patient Preparation:
- Bathe or shower the day of procedure - cleanse ulcer area gently with non-irritating soap and water
- Remove existing dressings and topical medications from ulcer - allow area to air dry or pat dry with clean cloth
- Do NOT apply any creams, ointments, or lotions to ulcer area immediately before biopsy
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to affected leg - shorts or pants that roll up recommended
- Arrange for transportation home - procedure is generally performed as outpatient, but patient should not drive if sedation used
- Notify provider of any skin allergies or sensitivities - particularly to antiseptic agents or local anesthetics
- Inform provider of bleeding disorders or use of blood-thinning medications before procedure
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early for registration and consent process
- Post-Procedure Care:
- Keep biopsy site clean and dry for 24-48 hours
- Apply prescribed topical antibiotics and appropriate wound dressings as instructed
- Elevate affected leg to reduce swelling and promote healing
- Results typically available within 3-5 business days for routine histology; special stains may take 5-7 days; culture results obtained within 7-14 days depending on organism type
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