Skin Lesion Biopsies

Comprehensive Skin Health Care

Maintain and restore your skin’s health with our full range of medical dermatology services. From diagnosing and treating skin conditions to providing ongoing care, our experienced team delivers personalized solutions for all ages. We combine advanced techniques with compassionate care to help you achieve healthy, comfortable, and confident skin.

Get Accurate Diagnosis of Various Conditions, including Skin Cancer, at Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology

Elkhorn Dermatology’s expert team has significant experience in identifying and diagnosing a range of skin problems, including rosacea, eczema, acne, and skin cancer. Sometimes a visual inspection is sufficient, but often a closer examination is required to rule out or confirm conditions. This is why we perform skin lesion biopsies at our Omaha-based practice. Skin lesion biopsies are medical procedures that involve a dermatologist taking a small tissue sample, which is then closely examined under a microscope.

Microscopic examination can reveal cancer cells, chronic inflammation, or infections. Equipped with this information, our specialists can make an accurate diagnosis and work with you to create a treatment plan designed to maximize your health. Since early diagnosis and treatment are critical for many patients, especially those dealing with melanocytic skin cancer, skin lesion biopsies are an important aspect of timely and effective care. Additionally, pathology services associated with these biopsies are covered by insurance, ensuring accessible and affordable medical support for patients.

What Types of Skin Lesion Biopsies Does Our Expert Team Employ?

There are three primary skin lesion biopsy strategies used to collect tissue samples at Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology:

Punch skin lesion biopsies are ideal for samples that need to be taken from layers that are deeper below the surface. The tool is circular, and it creates a cylinder-like sample for scrutiny.

As the name implies, this technique for skin lesion biopsies uses a razor-like blade to remove a thin layer of tissue from the skin’s surface.

Certain tumors and lesions should be removed completely for examination under a microscope. Excisional biopsies involve cutting away all of a visible the growth, as well as a margin of healthy tissue surrounding the lesion. The affected tissue itself, as well as the nearby skin cells, will be examined for signs of cancer and other skin problems.

What Steps Are Involved in a Skin Lesion Biopsy?

Elkhorn Dermatology’s skilled providers use methodical, precision-based steps for all skin lesion biopsies. Each diagnostic procedure involves the same basic progression.

  • The target area is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is applied to ensure comfort.
  • Your provider then removes a small tissue sample, using the punch, shave, or excisional technique as necessary.
  • Depending on the size of the resulting wound, including diameter and depth, closure with stitches may be required.
  • The wound will be bandaged so the healing process can begin.
  • The tissue sample itself will be prepared for examination, then looked at closely under a microscope.
  • Your doctor will diagnose the condition or rule out other conditions.
  • If needed, you will discuss next steps for care with your health provider.

In the days after skin lesion biopsies, patients find that the small wound typically heals quickly. There may be a scab, and larger excisions can leave a scar. Our team will work to make each excision, shave, or punch only as extensive as it needs to be to maximize your health and minimize damage to the surrounding tissue. Expect some soreness. Protect healing tissue from sun exposure, since UV radiation may cause scars to darken or thicken.

What Can Skin Lesion Biopsies Diagnose?

Patients with suspicious moles, irritated skin, open or bleeding lesions, and other skin issues can find answers with help from our expert team. Our experienced team uses biopsies to diagnose:

  • Skin cancer (melanocytic and non-melanocytic)
  • Actinic keratoses and other precancerous lesions
  • Skin infections
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as eczema

Removing a tissue sample also allows our dedicated team to visualize the extent of the lesion, in terms of both depth and severity.

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Ready To Schedule Your Dermatology Visit?

Schedule your appointment with Elkhorn Dermatology in Omaha. Call 402-265-6601 or use the button below to request your appointment online.

Visit Elkhorn Dermatology

Our dermatology clinic is conveniently located in West Omaha near 204th and Pacific Street, serving patients from Elkhorn, Omaha, Gretna, Bennington, Waterloo, Valley, and surrounding communities.

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