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Scalp cyst biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm
Biopsy
Report in 288Hrs
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No Fasting Required
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Histopathology of scalp lesions.
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Scalp Cyst Biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm
- Why is it done?
- To obtain tissue samples from a scalp cyst measuring 1-3 cm in diameter for histopathological examination and diagnosis
- To determine the nature of the lesion (benign vs malignant, infectious vs non-infectious)
- To identify specific cyst types such as epidermoid cyst, pilar cyst, dermoid cyst, or other cutaneous pathology
- To rule out malignant conditions or suspicious lesions that present as cystic masses on the scalp
- To provide definitive diagnosis when clinical examination and imaging studies are inconclusive
- Indicated when a scalp cyst has been present for extended periods, shows signs of inflammation, infection, or growth
- Normal Range
- Normal Findings:Benign cyst with characteristic features such as intact epithelial lining, keratin-filled cavity, no evidence of malignancy, inflammation, or infection
- Benign Pathology Indicators:Well-defined epithelial-lined cavity; absence of atypia; normal mitotic activity; no necrosis; clear demarcation from surrounding tissue
- Common Benign Diagnoses:Epidermoid cyst, Pilar cyst (trichilemmal cyst), Dermoid cyst, Lipoma, simple follicular cyst
- Units of Measurement:Histopathological assessment (qualitative); tissue size: 1-3 cm diameter; microscopic examination under standard magnification
- Interpretation
- Epidermoid Cyst (Most Common):Benign lesion with stratified squamous epithelial lining filled with keratin debris; typically asymptomatic; no treatment needed unless infected or cosmetically concerning
- Pilar Cyst (Trichilemmal Cyst):Benign follicular cyst originating from outer root sheath; common on scalp in older patients; contains keratinized material; very low malignant potential
- Dermoid Cyst:Developmental benign lesion containing skin appendages (hair follicles, sebaceous glands); rare on scalp; requires surgical excision if removal desired
- Inflamed/Infected Cyst:Histology shows inflammatory infiltrate, granulation tissue, possible abscess formation; may require antibiotic treatment and/or drainage in addition to excision
- Lipoma:Benign fatty tumor composed of mature adipose tissue; encapsulated; no malignant potential; may be left alone or excised for cosmetic reasons
- Atypical or Malignant Findings:Nuclear atypia, increased mitotic figures, areas of necrosis, infiltrative margins, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma; requires immediate follow-up and appropriate oncologic management
- Factors Affecting Results:Specimen handling and fixation quality; adequate tissue sampling; proper sectioning and staining; prior manipulation or infection of the lesion; pathologist expertise
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System:Integumentary system (skin); specifically the scalp tissue including epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues
- Tissue Origins:Follicular epithelium, sebaceous glands, eccrine sweat glands, connective tissue, adipose tissue of scalp
- Conditions Commonly Associated with Abnormal Results:
- Keratin-filled cysts (epidermoid, pilar, dermoid cysts); benign skin tumors (lipomas, fibromas); seborrheic keratosis; acanthoma; infected cysts with secondary cellulitis
- Malignant Conditions Identified:Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, adnexal tumors with malignant potential, metastatic disease to scalp
- Infectious Conditions:Infected epidermoid cysts (bacterial superinfection), pilonidal cyst disease with recurrent infection, fungal infections of scalp tissue
- Potential Complications from Abnormal Results:Undiagnosed malignancy requiring aggressive treatment; recurrent infections causing abscess formation and scarring; cosmetic disfigurement; potential spread of malignant cells if not properly managed
- Follow-up Tests
- For Benign Findings:No follow-up testing required; surgical excision performed; clinical follow-up to monitor for recurrence or new lesions
- For Infected Cysts:Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing; complete blood count; consideration of imaging (ultrasound or MRI) if deep infection suspected; follow-up clinical exam post-treatment
- For Atypical or Malignant Findings:Immunohistochemical staining (S-100, Melan-A, HMB-45 for melanoma; cytokeratin for carcinomas); sentinel lymph node biopsy if melanoma; wide local excision; staging studies (CT, MRI, PET scan); oncology consultation
- Complementary Imaging Studies:Ultrasound for assessment of deeper extension; MRI for complex cases or suspected malignancy; dermoscopy for pigmented lesions
- Monitoring Frequency:Benign lesions: clinical exam at 4-6 weeks post-excision to assess healing; annually for skin cancer surveillance in high-risk patients. Malignant lesions: close follow-up per oncology protocol; recurrence screening at 3-6 month intervals initially
- Related Tests Providing Complementary Information:Punch biopsy of adjacent tissue; shave biopsy for surface lesions; excisional biopsy if diagnosis remains uncertain; molecular genetic testing for specific mutations in malignant cases
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required:No
- Patient Preparation:Hair at biopsy site should be clipped (not shaved) 24 hours before procedure to reduce infection risk; cleanse area with mild soap and water the morning of procedure; avoid applying hair products or cosmetics to scalp
- Medication Instructions:Discontinue anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) 3-5 days prior if possible; hold aspirin and NSAIDs for 5-7 days before procedure; continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise; inform physician of all blood-thinning medications
- Anesthesia:Local anesthesia (lidocaine or similar) will be injected at biopsy site; no systemic sedation required unless specified; alert physician of local anesthetic allergies
- Post-Procedure Care:Keep biopsy site clean and dry; avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercising for 24-48 hours; do not wet hair for 24 hours; follow wound care instructions provided; take over-the-counter analgesics as needed for mild discomfort
- Driving:Safe to drive after procedure unless sedation was administered; arrange transportation if conscious sedation used
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