Skin cancer care
Skin biopsy
When a spot looks atypical, a brief in-office biopsy is the only reliable way to tell a benign lesion from skin cancer.
What it is.
A skin biopsy is the removal of a small piece of skin for microscopic analysis by a board-certified dermatopathologist. We use shave, punch, or excisional techniques depending on the lesion.
How we treat it.
After numbing the area, your provider removes a small sample. Most biopsies are completed in a few minutes and require minimal aftercare. Results come back within 5–10 business days; we call to discuss findings and next steps.
When to come in.
If you have a spot that's new, changing, bleeding, or non-healing, schedule a skin check. A biopsy can usually be performed the same day if needed.
Common questions.
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
A skin biopsy is generally well tolerated. Before taking the sample, your provider numbs the area with a local anesthetic, so you may feel a brief pinch or stinging as the numbing medication goes in, then pressure rather than sharp pain during the biopsy itself. Mild soreness afterward is normal and usually settles within a day or two.
Will a skin biopsy leave a scar?
Any procedure that breaks the skin can leave a small mark, and a biopsy is no exception. The size depends on the technique and location, but most heal as a small, flat spot or fine line over several weeks. We will explain what to expect for your specific lesion and review wound care to support healing. Ask your provider about scarring at your visit.
What happens if my skin biopsy shows cancer?
If the biopsy confirms skin cancer, we call to discuss the results and recommend next steps based on the diagnosis. For many basal cell and squamous cell cancers and many early skin cancers, we can often perform surgical excision in our Windermere office, and we coordinate referral to an appropriate skin cancer surgeon when a case calls for it.
Related conditions.
Next step
Ready to schedule your visit?
Send a quick message and our team will reach out to schedule. Most patients can be seen within the same week.