A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined by a trained specialist. It can be performed for a wide variety of reasons, but it is primarily used as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the specific cause of skin growths or abnormalities.
Located in Windermere FL, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of dermatological care. For more information about our practice or any of the services we offer, contact us today.
Identifying the Cause of Frequent Rashes or Blisters
Many inflammatory skin conditions and diseases can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Conditions like dermatitis, actinic keratosis, and psoriasis can all manifest themselves as red, scaly growths. While the symptoms of these three conditions are similar, their causes are very different. A skin biopsy can help analyze the exact cause of your skin growth, and figure out which condition it is classified as. It’s particularly important that you undergo a biopsy if you suspect you have actinic keratosis — if left untreated, it can develop into skin cancer.
Evaluating Chronic Bacterial or Fungal Infections
Itchy, scaly skin is one of the trademark signs of a bacterial or fungal infection. But just because you’re experiencing these symptoms doesn’t mean that you have one of these infections — it’s possible that your discomfort is being caused by a different skin condition. Both bacterial and fungal infections have very specific, effective ways of being treated; a skin biopsy can help Dr. Hudgens confirm the cause of your symptoms so clear, effective action can be taken to stop them.
Pinpointing the Cause of Changing Moles
Nearly everyone has at least some moles. More often than not, these moles are healthy, normal features of the skin. But moles that begin to change in size, shape, location, or color might be a sign of skin cancer. While skin cancer can be treated fairly quickly, it can worsen and possibly metastasize to other areas of the body if left alone. Through a simple skin biopsy, our trained medical team can confirm a case of skin cancer. If you do have skin cancer, they can identify if it’s squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma, and begin developing a comprehensive treatment plan to get rid of it.
Do you suspect that you may need a skin biopsy? Contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today!