What is a punch biopsy?

A punch biopsy is a medical procedure used to collect tissue for laboratory examination by taking a punch-sized piece of skin from the body. A punch biopsy is relatively a low-risk procedure which is done under local anaesthesia. The amount of skin tissue depends on the size of the needle, called a biopsy needle

When is a punch biopsy done?

A punch biopsy is done to diagnose suspicious skin growths and lesions, which and various bullous or inflammatory skin conditions. Precautions are taken for patients who have a history of a bleeding disorder and those who are on mediations that may affect hemostasis.

How is a punch biopsy done?

During the procedure, Dr Konyana will ask you to lie or sit in a comfortable position with maximal and easy access to the area where the biopsy will be done. Local anaesthesia will be administered on the site, and your skin will be stretched in a manner perpendicular to its physiological lines of relaxation.

Dr Konyana will place a sterile punch biopsy tool on your skin at an angle that is perpendicular to the anaesthetized are of your skin. He will rotate the punch biopsy tool into your skin at a 90-degree angle. Once the specimen has been obtained, the dermatologist will withdraw the tool and apply pressure on the area until stops bleeding. The tissue sample is then stored in a medium and sent to the laboratory for further diagnostic testing.

What can you expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, Dr Konyana will dress the site and advise you on how to take care of the wound. Avoid soaking the wound in water at least for the first 24 hours after the biopsy. Pain medication may be prescribed for you, as you may experience minimal pain at the site of the biopsy. If you experience any bleeding or increasing soreness, tenderness and redness at the biopsy site, you need to contact Dr Konyana immediately for medical attention.