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Scalp mass biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm
Biopsy
Report in 288Hrs
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No Fasting Required
Details
Histopathology of scalp lesions.
₹370₹529
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Scalp Mass Biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm
- Why is it done?
- To obtain tissue samples from suspicious scalp lesions or masses for histopathological examination and definitive diagnosis
- To rule out or confirm malignancy in scalp masses, including melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers, and other neoplastic lesions
- To diagnose inflammatory, infectious, or benign dermatological conditions affecting the scalp
- Typical timing: Performed when a palpable scalp mass persists for more than 2-3 weeks, shows concerning features, or when clinical examination is inconclusive
- Specifically indicated for masses measuring 1-3 cm that are accessible and require tissue diagnosis
- Normal Range
- Normal Result: Benign tissue histology with normal cellular architecture, no evidence of malignancy, normal inflammatory response, or identified benign pathology (cyst, lipoma, hemangioma, etc.)
- Negative Result: No malignant cells present; tissue is consistent with benign lesion or reactive process
- Positive Result: Malignant cells identified; specific diagnosis provided (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, metastatic disease)
- Units of Measurement: Histopathological interpretation with descriptive findings; tissue sample typically 3-5 mm in diameter
- Borderline/Inconclusive Results: Atypical findings may require repeat biopsy, additional staining, or specialist consultation for definitive diagnosis
- Interpretation
- Benign Findings: Lipomas, seborrheic keratosis, hemangiomas, cysts, dermatofibroma, or other non-malignant lesions; minimal risk with conservative management or simple excision if cosmetically concerning
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Nest of basaloid cells with palisading pattern; lowest mortality risk but requires complete surgical excision; may recur if incompletely removed
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Infiltrating keratinocytes with varying degrees of differentiation; graded as well, moderately, or poorly differentiated; higher metastatic potential, especially if poorly differentiated or >4 mm depth
- Melanoma: Atypical melanocytes with increased mitotic activity; staged by Breslow thickness, ulceration, and mitotic rate; high metastatic risk requiring comprehensive staging and aggressive management
- Inflammatory Conditions: Folliculitis, sarcoidosis, lichen planus, or other chronic inflammatory processes; treated medically without requiring excision
- Infectious Etiologies: Fungal infections, abscesses, or atypical infections; special stains (PAS, AFB, GMS) may be used for pathogen identification
- Factors Affecting Interpretation: Sample adequacy, tissue orientation, crush artifact, prior trauma or treatment, immunocompromised status, and quality of specimen fixation
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Integumentary system (skin), scalp epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue; sensory and motor nerves of the scalp
- Cutaneous Malignancies: Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, merkel cell carcinoma; associated with sun exposure, immunosuppression, and genetic predisposition
- Metastatic Disease: Metastatic melanoma, carcinoma, or lymphoma presenting as scalp masses; involves brain, lymph nodes, and distant organs with potential for CNS involvement
- Inflammatory Conditions: Sarcoidosis affecting skin and potential systemic involvement; chronic dermatological conditions with scalp manifestations
- Infectious Agents: Fungal infections (dermatophytes), bacterial abscess, mycobacterial infections; risk of spread to dermis and subcutaneous tissue
- Potential Complications from Abnormal Results: Malignant melanoma requires wide surgical excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy; risk of recurrence and metastasis to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain; SCC carries risk of perineural invasion and lymphatic involvement
- Biopsy Site Complications: Bleeding, infection, scarring, hair loss at biopsy site, nerve damage with scalp numbness, and temporary or permanent alopecia
- Follow-up Tests
- If Malignancy Confirmed: Complete surgical excision with appropriate margins; sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma staging; CT or MRI imaging for metastatic disease assessment
- Immunohistochemical Staining: S-100, HMB-45, Melan-A for melanoma confirmation; AE1/AE3 for carcinoma typing; CD20, CD45 for lymphoma differentiation
- Staging Studies for Melanoma: PET-CT, brain MRI, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound or CT based on Breslow thickness and clinical stage
- Lymph Node Assessment: Ultrasound of regional lymph nodes; biopsy if lymphadenopathy detected; computed tomography of head and neck region
- If Benign Lesion: Clinical follow-up in 4-6 weeks; reassessment if lesion changes; repeat biopsy only if clinical suspicion increases
- If Infectious Process: Culture and sensitivity testing; fungal culture for suspected dermatophyte infection; mycobacterial culture if TB suspected; appropriate antimicrobial therapy
- If Inflammatory Condition: Systemic workup for sarcoidosis (chest X-ray, ACE levels, calcium levels); dermatology consultation for management; follow-up biopsy only if diagnosis remains unclear
- If Inadequate Sample: Repeat biopsy recommended; consider larger sample size or alternative biopsy technique
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Clinical skin examination every 3-6 months for melanoma history; annual full-body skin screening; dermoscopy for suspicious new lesions; oncology follow-up based on stage
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- Patient Preparation: No fasting required; procedure can be performed at any time of day with normal food and fluid intake
- Medications: Continue all regular medications; anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs) may need temporary discontinuation or bridging (consult physician); NSAIDs should be held 3-5 days prior if possible to reduce bleeding risk; topical antibiotics or steroids can be continued
- Scalp Preparation: Wash scalp gently with mild soap the morning of procedure; do not apply topical treatments or cosmetic products to biopsy area; wear clean, comfortable clothing
- Hair Preparation: Do not cut or shave hair around biopsy site; allow hair to dry naturally before appointment; inform physician of hair density at biopsy site
- Additional Instructions: Arrive early to complete consent forms; advise physician of bleeding disorders or anticoagulation therapy; avoid caffeine if it causes anxiety; arrange transportation if local anesthesia causes drowsiness; wear hair-friendly clothing to avoid contact with biopsy site during healing
- Post-Procedure Care: Keep site clean and dry; apply prescribed antibiotic ointment; change bandages as directed; avoid strenuous activity and excessive head movement for 48 hours; do not shower or wash hair for 24 hours; avoid swimming for 1 week
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