Skin Cancer Biopsy in Point Cook

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. When a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy removes some or all of it so the tissue can be examined, and skin cancer biopsy is among the skin services offered at the clinic.

Why looking is not always enough

Examining a spot closely, often with a magnifying instrument called a dermatoscope, tells a doctor a great deal. Certainty only comes from viewing the tissue under a microscope. That confirms or rules out the three main skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Plenty of biopsies show a harmless spot, which is reassuring in itself.

Spots worth getting checked

  • New spots, moles or freckles appearing in adulthood
  • Moles changing in size, shape or colour
  • Uneven borders or several colours within one spot
  • Sores that bleed, crust or have not healed after a few weeks
  • Lumps that are growing, firm, shiny or scaly
  • Anything that looks different from the rest of your spots

Skin cancer biopsy: punch, shave or excision

The choice generally depends on the size, appearance and position of the spot:

  • Punch biopsy takes a small round core of skin
  • Shave biopsy slices off the raised part of a lesion
  • Excision biopsy cuts out the whole spot with a margin of normal skin

During the procedure

Local anaesthetic stings for a few seconds before the area goes numb, after which most people notice pressure but no sharp pain. The sample goes to a pathology laboratory. Stitches, where used, generally come out after about 5 to 14 days: sooner on the face, later on the back or legs.

Before the procedure, mention blood-thinning medicines, allergies to anaesthetic, antiseptic or dressings, and any pacemaker or implanted device.

Looking after the wound

Leave the dressing in place and keep the wound dry for the period the doctor recommends. Tenderness for a few days is normal, and simple pain relief is generally enough. Avoid heavy exercise or stretching the skin while stitches are in. Increasing redness, heat, swelling or pain, pus, or a fever needs prompt medical attention. Most biopsy wounds leave a small scar that fades with time.

Getting your results

Pathology takes some days to come back. Ask reception how and when you will hear about your result, and check that your phone number and address are up to date. The report describes what the spot is and, for a cancer, often whether it was completely removed with a clear margin of healthy skin, which guides what happens next.

If skin cancer is found

News that a spot is cancer can be worrying, but most skin cancers are very treatable, particularly when found early. Depending on the type and depth, next steps might include removing a wider area of skin around the site, other treatment for some surface cancers, or referral to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Having had one skin cancer raises the chance of another, so regular skin checks become especially important.

Sun protection from here on

Cover up with clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, apply SPF 50 or higher sunscreen, and seek shade whenever the UV index is 3 or above. Get to know your own skin and look it over every few months, including hard-to-see places like the back and scalp, where a partner or family member can help.

Fees and bulk billing

Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.

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