Biopsies

A biopsy is the procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed and examined to help make or confirm a diagnosis.  The biopsy specimen is placed in special preservative and sent to the laboratory for analysis.  The purpose of the biopsy is to establish a diagnosis, and may not remove the entire lesion.

There are several types of biopsy techniques.

The most common biopsy technique that Dr. Darst performs is a transverse excision, commonly called a “shave biopsy.”  The skin is numbed with a small amount of lidocaine and a very thin section of tissue is removed.  Afterward, it looks as it would if you had scraped your skin.  The site heals very quickly.

Another type of biopsy is the “punch biopsy.”  After numbing the skin, Dr. Darst uses a small tool to take a core of tissue and closes the wound with a stitch which is removed by his assistant in 1-2 weeks.

Our office calls EVERY biopsy result (good or bad) to the patient within two weeks.  We do not believe in leaving our patients wondering if “no news was good news.”

After the biopsy is interpreted, Dr. Darst will recommend a treatment plan.  Often, if the biopsy reveals a benign lesion, no further treatment is needed.

Skin Cancer Surgery

Dr. Darst has had extensive training in skin cancer surgery, including the complex repair of wounds.  He has performed skin surgery for 19 years and his assistants have a total of  over 40 years of surgery experience!

After a diagnosis of skin cancer is confirmed by biopsy, Dr. Darst will recommend a treatment plan.  Most skin cancers can be treated with simple excision in the office.  If there is a reason that a procedure is needed that is not offered here, such as Mohs micrographic surgery or radiation therapy, Dr. Darst will recommend to you other physicians he trusts to do these procedures.

For an excision, Dr. Darst’s assistant and front office staff will work with you to schedule the operation to minimize downtime and maximize your recovery.

After the surgery, all excised tissue is sent to the laboratory and examined microscopically to ensure that the entire lesion has been removed.  You will be informed of the result at the suture removal visit.