Why You May Need to Have a Skin Biopsy Test Done

Have you been noticing an irritating or bumpy rash on your skin?  Do you have a discolored or changing mole?  You may be in need of a skin biopsy to have your cells tests to determine if you require medical attention or treatment.  A skin biopsy is a laboratory test technique to extract cells or skin samples from your body.  Doctors use the information from a skin biopsy to determine whether the patient requires additional treatment or medical care.  Skin samples are tested under a microscope at our dermatology pathology lab service in Pittsburgh for skin cancer, skin diseases, or skin conditions such as psoriasis.  There are a few reasons why you may need a skin biopsy today.

You Notice Irregular or Changing Moles

Most brown spots, moles, and skin growths are harmless, but if you notice warning signs, anything new or unusual on your skin, visit a dermatologist promptly. Here are some of the warning signs.

•   Asymmetry
•  Border irregularity
• Several different colors inside a single lesion, or the mole changes color
•  A mole growing in diameter or size

Early detection of skin cancer helps doctors start treatment rapidly and prevent cancer from spreading to the underlying lymph nodes or other organs. It is the best way to improve the probability of effective cancer treatment and survival.  Usually, all skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) are painless. Visual skin tests are the main way to detect skin changes that may be cancerous.

You Suspect Hypersensitivity and Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Skin-related immune-system reactions cause hypersensitivity (allergic) and inflammatory skin conditions. The flaking and the itchy skin caused by eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis can be very uncomfortable, which can lead to feeling alone or self-conscious during flare-ups.  Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments to tame these inflammatory skin conditions.  Persistent rashes, particularly those that do not respond to treatment, may require a skin biopsy.

You Have Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, which is also defined as solar keratosis, is defined as a rough, scaly patch on the skin from years of sun exposure.  It's also seen on the hands' face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back. Actinic keratosis develops slowly, typically appearing first in people over the age of 40.  By minimizing your sun exposure and shielding your skin from the UV rays, you will reduce your skin risk.  

You Have Unrelenting Warts

A wart is a small growth of rough texture that can appear anywhere on the body, and it often looks like a strong blister or a small cauliflower. Human papillomavirus (HPV) viruses cause them. Wart types include common warts, pigmented warts, and plantar warts. Most warts disappear in one or five years without medical attention, but treatment is available for big, multiple, or sensitive warts.

If you notice one of these symptoms, it may be time for you to get a skin biopsy.  Our specialists at our dermatology pathology lab service in Pittsburgh will work with you to perform your tests and provide you with reliable and timely results.  Contact us to hear more about our lab capabilities and services today.