Biopsy

Your doctor will be able to diagnose most skin cancers during the consultation, however, occasionally a biopsy will be required to check the spot under the microscope in order to make the diagnosis. This is usually able to be completed on the day of your consultation.

Once the area is numbed with local anaesthetic a small sample of skin is removed and sent to a specialist dermatopathologist who can diagnose the skin spot under the microscope.

Sometimes a larger piece of skin needs to be removed for the biopsy and will require stitches – this is particularly the case for moles that are suspected of being melanoma.

Results are available one week later and an appointment arranged if further treatment is required. Patients are asked to contact the centre initially to discuss their result over the telephone. You are welcome to keep a copy of your report, which can also be made available to your local GP.