Excisional Biopsy

Skin Biopsy 

At Shellharbour Skin, we provide a thorough skin biopsy service to accurately diagnose a variety of skin conditions. Led by Dr. Barney Gordon, our clinic specialises in performing skin biopsies that help in understanding skin lesions and determining the treatment plans. All specimens are analysed by a specialist pathology company in Brisbane, Infinity path. 

Indications for a Skin Biopsy 

Dr Barney may recommend a skin biopsy to diagnose or rule out certain skin conditions, including:

• Suspicious moles or skin lesions that may be cancerous
• Inflammatory skin conditions
• Skin infections
• Unexplained skin growths

The procedure is crucial for confirming the diagnosis of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, as well as other less common skin cancers.

Types of Skin Biopsies 

We offer two main types of skin biopsies: punch biopsies and shave biopsies. Each type is selected based on the lesion’s characteristics and the diagnostic information needed. Dr Gordon performs both procedures onsite under a local anesthetic.

• Punch Biopsy : A punch biopsy involves using a small circular tool to remove a tiny core sample of skin, including deeper layers, such as the dermis, epidermis, and superficial fat. This method is useful for diagnosing 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 blade is used to shave off the top layers of the skin. This type of biopsy is typically used for lesions that are raised above the skin surface and are suspected to be confined to the upper layers of the skin, such as some types of warts or moles. Then, the Dr Gordon cauterises the wound and applies a dressing. 

What to expect?

When you visit Shellharbour Skin for a skin biopsy, Dr. Barney Gordon will first assess your skin lesion and discuss the most appropriate type of biopsy for your specific condition. The procedure itself is quick, and local anaesthesia is used to minimise discomfort. InfinityPATH analyzes the sample after the biopsy, and results are usually available within a week.

Post-Biopsy Care 

Following the biopsy, we provide detailed care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection. Dr. Gordon and our team are also available for any follow-up questions you might have regarding your biopsy results and further treatment options.