TREATMENTS
Punch biopsy
A punch biopsy removes a small core of skin for examination by a pathologist.
- Samples part of a skin lesion, or in some cases completely removes small lesions.
- The removed tissue is examined under a microscope by a skin pathologist to give a diagnosis.
- Larger punch incisions may need to be closed with stitches
A biopsy helps establish a diagnosis and plan treatment. It samples part of a lesion; complete removal is not always the aim. If there is sufficient time, your doctor may be able to perform a punch biopsy on the same day as your consultation or skin check. Some procedures take longer, for example if stitches are required or the wound is likely to bleed. A same-day punch biopsy cannot be guaranteed; a separate appointment may be needed.
A punch biopsy varies from 2 to 10mm in diameter. If smaller than 4mm, stitches are usually not required. Smaller punch incisions are generally used to establish a diagnosis and plan treatment of skin conditions and lesions.
Larger punch diameters are often used to completely remove skin lesions. In this case, the procedure is known as a punch excision.
How it’s done
- The doctor injects local anaesthetic into the skin to make it numb.
- Using a round blade to cut a hole through the skin, using a twisting motion to drill through the full thickness, they produce a core-shaped specimen of skin that is removed.
- A small hole remains where the skin was removed. The doctor controls bleeding, closes the wound with stitches if needed and applies a dressing.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Area to be sampled is selected
Punch tool is rotated to punch tissue
Tissue sample is removed
How to prepare
Good preparation can reduce the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection
Tell your doctor about all medicines, including aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your prescribing doctor advises you to do so.
If the punch biopsy is in a hairy area, shave about 24 hours before. You should shave about 10cm all the way around so there is plenty of room for the dressing to stick to your skin.
Don’t apply make-up to the area.
If you are concerned about pain from the local anaesthetic injection, you can purchase EMLA or another numbing cream. Apply it to the area about an hour before your procedure and cover it with a dressing or cling wrap.
After the procedure
Your doctor will explain dressing care for your wound. Some punch biopsies are closed with stitches; others are left to heal gradually from the base. If stitches are used, you will be told when they need removal.
Healing time depends on the size and location of the biopsy. Follow the punch biopsy aftercare instructions and the individual advice provided.
Side effects and what to expect
Healing varies with the size and location of the biopsy and whether stitches are used. Bleeding, infection, scarring and lighter or darker pigmentation are possible. Contact the clinic if bleeding persists despite pressure, or pain, redness or swelling is worsening.
Fees
Assessment and treatment are charged separately. See our assessment fees and biopsy and surgery fees. Your doctor will explain the proposed costs before treatment.
Pathology charges may apply separately.
Find out about our skin cancer checks
Punch biopsy is performed during a skin check or spot assessment following initial consultation with one of our doctors. No GP referral required.
Book a 1-3 spot check