Skin Biopsy in Melbourne
Doctor-led assessment and skin biopsy in Sunshine and Frankston.
A skin biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from a skin lesion so it can be examined by a pathology laboratory.
At The Mole Clinic, biopsies are performed when clinically appropriate following assessment of a suspicious or uncertain skin lesion. Your doctor will explain why a biopsy is recommended, the type of biopsy being performed and what happens after the procedure.
Skin biopsies are available at our Sunshine and Frankston clinics.
What is a skin biopsy?
A skin biopsy is a minor procedure used to obtain tissue from a skin lesion for examination under a microscope.
The sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for histopathology. This can provide information about the type of lesion and help determine whether further treatment is required.
A biopsy may involve removing part of a lesion or, in some circumstances, the entire visible lesion. The approach depends on the type, size and location of the lesion and the clinical question being investigated.
Why might a skin biopsy be recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy when examination alone cannot provide enough information about a lesion.
This may occur when a spot:
Has features that could represent skin cancer
Has changed in size, shape or colour
Repeatedly bleeds, crusts or does not heal
Has an uncertain diagnosis after clinical examination
Requires histopathology before deciding on further treatment
Not every unusual mole or skin lesion requires biopsy.
Your doctor will assess the lesion and discuss whether biopsy, monitoring or another approach is appropriate.
What happens during a skin biopsy?
Before the procedure, your doctor will examine the lesion and explain the planned biopsy.
The area is cleaned and local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin. You may briefly feel the local anaesthetic injection, but the procedure itself should not be painful once the area is numb.
A sample of the lesion is then removed using the biopsy technique considered appropriate for that lesion.
Depending on the type of biopsy, a dressing may be applied or stitches may be required.
Your doctor or nurse will provide instructions about caring for the wound afterwards.
What types of skin biopsy are used?
Different biopsy techniques can be used depending on the lesion being investigated.
These may include:
Shave biopsy
A superficial portion of the lesion is removed from the surface of the skin. This technique may be suitable for selected raised or superficial lesions.
Punch biopsy
A small circular instrument is used to remove a sample containing deeper layers of skin. One or more stitches may be required depending on the size and location.
Excision biopsy
The lesion is removed surgically, usually with a small margin of surrounding skin, and the wound is closed with stitches.
The most appropriate technique depends on the suspected diagnosis, lesion characteristics and location. Your doctor will discuss the recommended approach with you.
Is a skin biopsy the same as removing a mole?
Not necessarily.
The main purpose of a biopsy is to obtain tissue for diagnosis.
Sometimes the biopsy removes the entire visible lesion. In other situations, only part of the lesion is sampled.
If you are seeking removal of a lesion that has already been assessed and is considered benign, our Skin Lesion Removal service may be more relevant.
What happens to the biopsy sample?
The tissue collected during your biopsy is sent to a pathology laboratory.
A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and provides a histopathology report to your doctor.
Your doctor will review the pathology result and explain what it means and whether any further treatment or follow-up is required.
A biopsy result should be interpreted together with the clinical findings rather than in isolation.
What happens if the biopsy shows skin cancer?
The next step depends on the type of skin cancer, its location, the biopsy findings and your individual circumstances.
For some skin cancers, further surgical removal may be recommended.
The Mole Clinic performs skin cancer surgery for suitable lesions at our clinics. If another type of treatment or specialist assessment is more appropriate, your doctor can discuss the next steps with you.
Having assessment, biopsy and appropriate treatment available through the same clinic can provide continuity throughout the process.
Do I need a skin check before having a biopsy?
A lesion should be clinically assessed before deciding whether biopsy is appropriate.
If you are concerned about one particular lesion, you can book a Spot & Mole Check.
If you would like your skin examined more comprehensively, you can book a Full Body Skin Check.
Your doctor can then determine whether the lesion requires biopsy, monitoring or another approach.
How should I care for the biopsy site?
Wound care depends on the biopsy technique, location and whether stitches have been used.
You will be given instructions relevant to your procedure.
In general, it is important to follow the wound care advice provided by your clinical team and return for any planned dressing changes, suture removal or follow-up.
Contact the clinic if you have concerns about the wound after your procedure.
Will a skin biopsy leave a scar?
Any procedure that cuts or removes skin can leave a scar.
The appearance of the scar depends on factors including the biopsy technique, size and location of the lesion, your individual healing response and how the wound heals afterwards.
Your doctor will consider these factors when recommending the most appropriate biopsy technique.
How much does a skin biopsy cost?
Our current skin biopsy fees and applicable Medicare rebates are available on our Services & Fees page.
Keeping our current pricing in one place means you can check the latest fee information before your procedure.
Skin biopsies in Sunshine and Frankston
The Mole Clinic performs skin biopsies at two Melbourne locations.
Sunshine
Our Sunshine clinic provides skin lesion assessment and biopsy for patients from Sunshine and surrounding communities across Melbourne's western suburbs.
View Sunshine Clinic
Book Sunshine
Frankston
Our Frankston clinic provides skin lesion assessment and biopsy for patients from Frankston, Frankston South, Mount Eliza, Langwarrin and surrounding Mornington Peninsula and south eastern Melbourne communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area before the biopsy. The injection may briefly sting, but the procedure itself should not be painful once the area is numb.
Does having a biopsy mean I have skin cancer?
No. A biopsy is performed to obtain tissue so that a diagnosis can be established. Many lesions that require biopsy are not ultimately diagnosed as skin cancer.
Will I need stitches?
It depends on the type of biopsy. Punch and excision biopsies may require stitches, while some shave biopsies heal without sutures.
Where is the biopsy sent?
Biopsy tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory where it is examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
Will the whole lesion be removed?
Sometimes, but not always. A biopsy may remove part or all of the visible lesion depending on the technique and reason for the procedure.
What happens if skin cancer is diagnosed?
Your doctor will discuss the pathology result and appropriate next steps. This may include further surgery, another treatment or referral depending on the diagnosis and your individual circumstances.
Can I book directly for a biopsy?
A doctor needs to assess the lesion and determine whether biopsy is appropriate. If the lesion has not already been assessed, book a spot check or full body skin check first.
Book an Assessment in Melbourne
If you have a suspicious or uncertain skin lesion, the first step is an assessment by one of our doctors.
The Mole Clinic provides assessment, skin biopsy and appropriate skin cancer treatment at our Sunshine and Frankston clinics.
No referral is required for your initial assessment.