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Leg ulcer - Medium Biopsy 1-3 cm
Biopsy
Report in 288Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Biopsy of soft tissue or ulcers.
₹370₹529
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Leg Ulcer - Medium Biopsy 1-3 cm
- Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: This test involves obtaining a tissue sample (biopsy) from a leg ulcer measuring 1-3 cm to determine the underlying cause and nature of the ulceration through histopathological examination.
- Diagnostic Clarification: To differentiate between venous insufficiency ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infectious causes (fungal, bacterial), and malignancy
- Infection Identification: To identify bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections causing or complicating the ulcer
- Malignancy Evaluation: To exclude or confirm malignant transformation, including squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma in chronic ulcers
- Treatment Guidance: To guide appropriate therapeutic interventions when the cause is unclear or initial treatments have been ineffective
- Typical Timing: Indicated when ulcers fail to heal within expected timeframes (typically 4-12 weeks depending on type), when diagnosis is unclear, or when atypical features are present
- Normal Range
- Normal/Reference Findings: This is a descriptive histopathological test rather than quantitative; results describe tissue architecture, cellular composition, and presence of pathology
- Normal Findings Include: • Intact or minimally damaged epidermis • Well-organized dermal collagen • Normal vasculature without thrombosis or significant inflammation • Absence of malignant cells • Absence of microorganisms • Normal fibroblast activity
- Interpretation Categories: • Benign: Shows inflammatory response consistent with specific ulcer type • Malignant: Demonstrates atypical cells with invasion into deeper layers • Infectious: Reveals organisms on special stains or culture • Non-diagnostic: Insufficient tissue or excessive inflammation limiting assessment
- Units of Measurement: Descriptive microscopic examination with measurements in micrometers (μm) for cellular details; tissue sample size typically 0.5-1.5 cm for medium biopsy
- Interpretation
- Venous Insufficiency Ulcer: Shows chronic inflammation, hemosiderin deposits, dilated capillaries, and fibrosis in dermis; indicates chronic venous disease requiring compression therapy and leg elevation
- Arterial Ulcer: Demonstrates ischemic necrosis, vessel wall thickening, and minimal granulation tissue; indicates need for vascular assessment and revascularization evaluation
- Diabetic Ulcer: Shows variable findings; may reveal neuropathic changes, microangiopathy, and abnormal collagen deposition; requires aggressive glucose control and specialized wound care
- Pressure Ulcer: Demonstrates pressure-induced necrosis with layered tissue damage; indicates need for pressure relief and repositioning strategies
- Infectious Etiology: Gram stains, fungal stains (PAS), or special culture reveals causative organisms (bacteria, fungi); requires targeted antimicrobial therapy
- Malignant Transformation: Atypical cells with increased mitotic activity, irregular nuclei, and invasion; indicates need for surgical intervention and oncology consultation
- Factors Affecting Results: Specimen contamination, inadequate sampling, heavy infection obscuring findings, recent topical treatments, and tissue autolysis can affect interpretation
- Clinical Significance: Results directly impact treatment plans; findings can change management from conservative wound care to aggressive surgical intervention or chemotherapy, affecting patient prognosis and quality of life
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: • Integumentary System (skin and subcutaneous tissues) • Vascular System (arteries and veins) • Lymphatic System • Peripheral Nervous System (in diabetic neuropathic ulcers)
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results: • Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) • Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2 • Pressure Injuries (decubitus ulcers) • Vasculitis and autoimmune diseases (SLE, rheumatoid arthritis) • Infections (bacterial, fungal, TB) • Malignancies (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma) • Vascular inflammation and thrombosis
- Diseases Diagnosed or Monitored: • Post-thrombotic syndrome • Lipedema and lymphedema complications • Marjolin's ulcer (malignant transformation) • Pyoderma gangrenosum • Necrobiosis lipoidica (diabetic complications) • Cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Results: • Systemic infection and sepsis (if infectious cause identified) • Malignant progression requiring amputation • Chronic disability and impaired mobility • Significant pain and reduced quality of life • Need for surgical intervention or revascularization • Prolonged healing and permanent scarring • Recurrent ulceration if underlying cause not addressed
- Follow-up Tests
- Based on Biopsy Results: • Wound Culture and Sensitivity: If infection identified • Special Stains (PAS, Gram, AFB): For fungal, bacterial, or TB confirmation • Immunohistochemistry: For subtyping of malignancy • Microbiology Culture: For organism isolation and susceptibility testing • Molecular Testing: For infectious agents if clinically indicated
- Imaging and Vascular Studies: • Doppler Ultrasound: To assess venous and arterial flow • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): To evaluate arterial sufficiency • Computed Tomography (CT): For deep infection or malignancy staging • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To assess extent of tissue involvement • Venography: If thrombotic disease suspected
- Laboratory Studies: • Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c: If diabetes suspected or diagnosed • Complete Blood Count: To assess for infection or systemic disease • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: For organ function assessment • Inflammatory Markers (ESR, CRP): If vasculitis or systemic disease suspected • Blood Cultures: If systemic infection indicated • Coagulation Studies: If thrombotic disease present
- Monitoring Frequency: • Routine wound assessment: Weekly to bi-weekly • Follow-up imaging: 4-8 weeks after treatment initiation if malignancy identified • Repeat biopsy: If initial results non-diagnostic or lack clinical correlation; typically 2-4 weeks after initial biopsy • Diabetes monitoring: Regular HbA1c checks every 3-6 months • Vascular surveillance: Annual reassessment for chronic arterial/venous disease
- Complementary Tests: • Dermatology Consultation: For unclear diagnoses or suspected malignancy • Infectious Disease Consultation: For complex infections • Vascular Surgery Consultation: For arterial insufficiency requiring revascularization • Oncology Consultation: For confirmed malignancy • Endocrinology Consultation: For diabetes management optimization
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No - This is a localized tissue biopsy procedure; fasting is not required for the biopsy procedure itself
- Patient Preparation Requirements: • Cleanse the biopsy site gently with soap and water 24 hours prior • Remove any topical medications or creams from ulcer area 24 hours before procedure • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to leg • Inform provider of all current medications • Continue all routine medications unless specifically instructed otherwise • Avoid applying bandages or dressings immediately before appointment
- Medications to Avoid: • Anticoagulants (Warfarin, Dabigatran, Apixaban): Consult provider; may need temporary discontinuation 3-5 days prior • Antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Clopidogrel): May continue or hold per provider discretion • NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Hold 48-72 hours prior to reduce bleeding • Herbal supplements with bleeding risk (Ginkgo, Garlic, Ginseng): Discontinue 1 week prior
- Additional Special Instructions: • Inform provider of bleeding disorders or family history of bleeding • Disclose all allergies, especially to local anesthetics (Lidocaine) • Report active infections or fever (may delay procedure) • Arrange transportation if sedation will be used • Plan for leg elevation post-procedure • Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours after biopsy • Keep biopsy site dry for at least 24 hours post-procedure • Follow wound care instructions provided by biopsy team
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