When should you have a spot on your skin checked?
Most moles and spots are harmless, but some changes are worth a closer look. Dermatologists use the ABCDEs to describe warning signs of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer.
- Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
- Border: the edge is ragged, blurred or uneven
- Color: several shades of brown, black, red, white or blue
- Diameter: larger than about 6 millimeters, the size of a pencil eraser, though melanomas can be smaller
- Evolving: the spot changes in size, shape or color, or starts to itch or bleed
What happens during a skin biopsy?
Dr. Le first looks closely at the spot and talks with you about your health history. If a biopsy makes sense, he cleans the skin and numbs it with a small injection, so you should feel little more than a pinch.
Depending on the spot, he may shave off a thin layer, use a small round tool to remove a core of skin, or remove the whole spot. The sample goes to a lab, where a specialist examines it. Some biopsies need a stitch or two; many only need a bandage.
How do you care for the area afterward?
Keep the area clean and covered as instructed, and avoid soaking it until it heals. Mild soreness is normal. Call us if you notice spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever or bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
We will contact you when your results are ready and explain what they mean. If the spot needs more treatment, we will talk through your options, including whether it can be handled here or needs a specialist.
Why have it done at your family doctor?
Seeing your own doctor can save you a wait for a separate appointment. Dr. Le works to diagnose and treat problems in the office and refers you to a dermatologist only when you truly need one. For patients in Bluefield, that often means answers sooner and fewer trips.
How can you lower your risk of skin cancer?
Sun protection is the most important step. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, reapply it when you are outdoors, and wear hats and protective clothing. Avoid tanning beds.
Check your own skin once a month in good light, using a mirror for hard-to-see areas like your back and scalp. Let us know about any new spot, or one that is changing. People with fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburns or a family history of skin cancer may benefit from regular skin checks at their yearly visit.
What to expect at your visit
- Dr. Le examines the spot and asks about any changes you have noticed.
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with a small injection.
- A small sample is removed and the area is bandaged or closed with a stitch.
- The sample is sent to a lab, and we call you with the results and next steps.
Common questions about skin procedures and biopsies
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
Most people feel only a brief pinch or sting when the numbing medicine is injected. After that, the area is numb and the biopsy itself should not hurt. The site may be a little sore for a few days afterward, which usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers if your doctor says they are safe for you.
Does a biopsy mean I have skin cancer?
No. A biopsy is a test, not a diagnosis. Many biopsied spots turn out to be harmless. The doctor recommends a biopsy when a spot has features that are worth checking under a microscope, so that skin cancer can be found early or safely ruled out.
Will a skin biopsy leave a scar?
Any procedure that removes skin can leave a small mark. Most biopsy scars are small and fade over time. Keeping the wound clean, following your care instructions and protecting it from the sun while it heals can help it look its best.
Learn more from trusted sources
This page is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. Talk with Dr. Le about your own care.