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Skin biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm
Biopsy
Report in 288Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Histology of skin lesions.
₹370₹529
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Skin Biopsy - Medium 1-3 cm: Comprehensive Medical Test Guide
- Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: A skin biopsy involves the removal of a small tissue sample (1-3 cm) from the skin for microscopic examination to diagnose or confirm various skin conditions, infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.
- Primary Indications: Diagnosis of suspicious skin lesions; evaluation of persistent or unexplained dermatological conditions; confirmation of malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma; assessment of inflammatory skin diseases; identification of infectious agents (fungal, bacterial, viral); investigation of autoimmune skin conditions; staging of skin lymphomas; evaluation of unusual pigmented lesions.
- When Performed: When there is clinical suspicion of malignancy, dermatitis, infection, or other significant skin pathology; when non-invasive diagnostic methods are inconclusive; when accurate diagnosis is critical for treatment decisions; typically during office or outpatient clinic visits.
- Normal Range
- Normal Findings: A normal skin biopsy demonstrates histologically normal skin architecture with appropriate epidermal, dermal, and subcutaneous layers; normal melanin distribution; absence of malignant cells, infectious organisms, or significant inflammatory infiltrates.
- Result Interpretation: Negative/Normal: Benign findings with no malignancy, infection, or significant pathology detected. Positive/Abnormal: Presence of pathological changes including neoplasia, inflammation, infection, or other significant histological abnormalities. Borderline: Atypical features that may require repeat biopsy, immunohistochemistry, or molecular studies for definitive diagnosis.
- Units of Measurement: Specimen size: 1-3 centimeters (medium biopsy). Histological evaluation: Microscopic assessment using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining; special stains and immunohistochemical markers used as clinically indicated.
- What Normal vs Abnormal Means: Normal results provide reassurance that the lesion or condition is benign and does not require oncological intervention. Abnormal results guide specific treatment decisions, staging, and prognosis; prompt further diagnostic and therapeutic measures based on the specific findings.
- Interpretation
- Benign Lesions: Nevi (moles), seborrheic keratosis, angiomas, lipomas, or other non-malignant growths. Indicates reassuring diagnosis; standard surveillance and routine care recommended.
- Melanoma: Presence of malignant melanocytes with nuclear irregularity, increased mitotic activity, and/or invasion into dermis or subcutaneous tissue. Requires immediate treatment planning, including wide surgical excision and possible lymph node assessment.
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) identified on histology. Indicates need for appropriate surgical intervention and possible adjuvant therapy depending on histological grade and stage.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Psoriasis, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, or other dermatitis patterns. Guides treatment selection with appropriate topical or systemic anti-inflammatory therapies.
- Infectious Processes: Fungal infections (candidiasis, dermatophytes), bacterial infections, or viral inclusions identified. Directs specific antimicrobial or antiviral therapy tailored to the identified pathogen.
- Atypical Features (Dysplasia): Architectural disarray, cytologic atypia, or increased mitotic activity without definitive malignancy. May require repeat biopsy, immunohistochemistry, or molecular testing; closer clinical surveillance recommended.
- Factors Affecting Results: Biopsy site selection and depth; specimen preparation and processing; fixation quality; staining technique; pathologist expertise; presence of crush artifact or thermal artifact from electrocautery; clinical history provided to pathologist.
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ System: Integumentary system (skin, epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue). Largest organ of the body serving protective, thermoregulatory, and sensory functions.
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results: Melanoma (cutaneous and systemic involvement), non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC, SCC), dermatitis (contact, atopic, seborrheic), psoriasis, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma), dermatophyte infections, candidiasis, viral infections (herpes simplex, herpes zoster, warts), bacterial infections, bullous disorders, photoaging, acanthosis nigricans, suspicious pigmented lesions.
- Diseases Diagnosed or Monitored: Primary cutaneous malignancies with potential for metastatic disease; chronic inflammatory dermatological conditions requiring long-term management; infectious skin diseases affecting treatment decisions; autoimmune skin manifestations of systemic diseases; premalignant or dysplastic lesions requiring surveillance.
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Results: Malignant lesions may metastasize to regional lymph nodes, organs, and distant sites requiring aggressive multimodal therapy; chronic inflammatory conditions may significantly impact quality of life; infections may spread systemically if untreated; psychological impact of cancer diagnosis; need for lifelong surveillance in patients with melanoma or other skin cancers.
- Follow-up Tests
- For Melanoma Diagnosis: Wide local surgical excision with appropriate margins based on Breslow depth; sentinel lymph node biopsy if applicable; staging imaging (chest X-ray, CT, PET scan, or MRI) depending on thickness and clinical stage; LDH level assessment; molecular testing (BRAF, NRAS, KIT mutations) for potential targeted therapy.
- For Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Definitive surgical excision with confirmed negative margins; Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk locations or tumors; regional lymph node examination if indicated; imaging studies if advanced or high-grade malignancy.
- For Inflammatory Conditions: Serological testing (ANA, antiphospholipid antibodies) if autoimmune conditions suspected; cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA) testing; repeat biopsy if diagnosis unclear; immunofluorescence studies for bullous disorders.
- For Infectious Processes: Fungal culture or PCR for species identification; bacterial culture and sensitivities; viral culture or PCR; fungal KOH preparation; Gram stain; tissue culture from biopsy specimen.
- For Atypical or Borderline Findings: Immunohistochemistry panels (Melan-A, S100, SOX10, HMB-45); molecular studies (FISH, CGH); repeat biopsy of adjacent or same site; dermoscopy evaluation; close clinical surveillance with serial photography.
- Monitoring Frequency: Melanoma patients: Every 3-6 months for first 2 years, then annually with full skin examinations; dermoscopic surveillance of other suspicious lesions. Non-melanoma skin cancer: Surveillance depends on stage and risk factors. Chronic inflammatory conditions: As clinically indicated based on treatment response. Patients with precancerous lesions: Every 6-12 months or as recommended by dermatologist.
- Complementary Tests: Dermoscopy for non-invasive lesion assessment; total body photography for baseline documentation; confocal laser microscopy (RCM) for in vivo imaging; Wood's lamp examination for pigmentation assessment; high-frequency ultrasound for lesion characterization.
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is not required for skin biopsy.
- Patient Preparation Instructions: Inform provider of any medications, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs, clopidogrel); inform provider of allergies, particularly to anesthetics (lidocaine, benzocaine); cleanse the biopsy site gently with soap and water the morning of procedure; avoid applying lotions, perfumes, or makeup to the biopsy site; wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access to biopsy site.
- Medications to Avoid: Aspirin - discontinue 3-5 days prior if possible; NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) - stop 3-5 days before; warfarin and other anticoagulants - consult with provider regarding continuation; clopidogrel (Plavix) - may need to continue depending on indication; vitamin E and garlic supplements - discontinue 5-7 days prior; herbal anticoagulants (ginkgo, ginseng) - stop several days before procedure.
- Special Preparation Requirements: No special bowel or dietary preparation needed; normal eating and drinking allowed; adequate patient education regarding procedure and realistic expectations; informed consent documentation; marking of biopsy site by provider if not already identified; arrangements for post-procedure wound care supplies; plan for transportation if sedation used (rarely needed for skin biopsy); notification of procedure-related restrictions (no swimming, strenuous activity) for first 1-2 weeks post-biopsy.
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