Excisional Biopsy

Skin Biopsy Assessment

At Shellharbour Skin, we provide consultations that may include a skin biopsy to assist in assessing a range of skin conditions.

Led by Dr Barney Gordon, our focus is on performing clinically appropriate assessments to help gather diagnostic information about skin lesions.

All specimens are sent to a specialist pathology laboratory for formal histopathological analysis.

Why a Skin Biopsy May Be Recommended

During your consultation, Dr. Gordon may discuss the option of a biopsy to obtain further information about specific skin lesions or conditions. A biopsy can assist in the assessment of:

• Pigmented or suspicious moles
• Skin lesions that are changing in appearance
• Inflammatory or blistering skin conditions
• Unexplained skin growths or rashes

This assessment is an important step in confirming or ruling out a range of possible diagnoses, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, as well as other less common skin conditions.

Types of Skin Biopsies

Two main biopsy methods may be discussed during your consultation, depending on the lesion’s characteristics and clinical indication.

• Both are performed using local anaesthetic to ensure comfort. Punch Biopsy: \ A small, circular tool to remove a core sample of skin. This sample includes deeper layers, such as the dermis, epidermis, and superficial fat. This method is often discussed for assessing deeper skin lesions and conditions where a full thickness of the skin is needed for analysis.
• Shave Biopsy: During a shave biopsy, a sharp, flexible sterile blade is used to remove the upper layers of the skin. This type of assessment is typically considered for lesions that are raised above the skin’s surface and appear to be confined to the epidermis, such as some types of warts or moles. Afterwards, Dr. Gordon will cauterise the area and apply a dressing.

What to Expect?

During your consultation, Dr Gordon will:

• Examine the lesion and discuss whether a biopsy is indicated.
• Explain the procedure, including anaesthetic use and what to expect during and after the assessment.
• Review the associated risks, including bleeding, infection, and scarring, before obtaining consent.

Biopsy procedures are typically brief, and most patients are comfortable returning to normal daily activities afterward.

Pathology results are generally available within 5–10 business days, and a follow-up consultation will be arranged to discuss the findings and possible management options.

Post-Procedure Care

Following the procedure, you will receive detailed written and verbal instructions to support wound healing and minimise infection risk.

Your clinician will explain:

• How to clean and dress the biopsy site
• What signs of normal healing and infection to monitor for
• When to return for suture removal (if applicable)
• When to expect follow-up communication regarding results

If you notice any unusual bleeding, pain, or redness, you should contact the clinic for review.
All follow-up discussions regarding pathology results are conducted in a consultation to ensure you have a clear understanding of the findings and next steps.