Patient guide
Skin biopsy: why it is done and what to expect
By the SkinOps team · Updated · 2 min read
Based on information from the NHS website. This guide is waiting for review by a clinician and is not medical advice.
A biopsy is when a small sample of skin, tissue or cells is taken so it can be tested in a laboratory. It helps doctors find out what is causing a problem, and it is one of the ways conditions such as cancer are diagnosed.
Hearing the word biopsy can be unsettling, but it is a common and very safe procedure. Knowing what to expect usually helps.
Why you might need a biopsy
- to find out what is causing your symptoms
- to follow up on something found in a blood test or scan
- to keep an eye on a condition you already have
You are usually referred for a biopsy by a GP or a hospital consultant.
Getting ready
You will be told how to prepare. This might include stopping certain medicines for a while beforehand, so check with the team if you take anything regularly. If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will need to stop eating and drinking for a set time before.
What happens during a biopsy
There are different ways of taking a sample. The affected tissue can be removed with a small surgical cut, taken with a needle, or collected using a thin tube with a camera on the end. Your team will tell you which method they plan to use.
Most biopsies are done under local anaesthetic. You stay awake, but the area is numbed so it does not hurt. You may feel warmth or tingling as the anaesthetic starts to work. Some people are offered medicine to help them relax.
How long it takes depends on the type of biopsy. Many take less than 30 minutes.
Afterwards
Most people go home the same day. The team will explain how to look after the wound and what to take for any pain. If you had sedation or a general anaesthetic, you will be monitored for a while before you leave and should not drive yourself home.
As a local anaesthetic wears off, some tingling is normal. Be careful not to knock the area until the feeling returns.
Risks
Problems are uncommon. The main ones are some pain and a small chance of infection. The team will talk you through any risks specific to your biopsy before it happens.
Getting your results
Results usually take a few weeks and often arrive by letter. You may be asked to come back to discuss them. If you have not heard anything after a few weeks, contact the team who did the biopsy.