Cochise Oncology

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How To Care for Skin After a Biopsy

A small sample of your skin is usually enough to determine whether or not a growth is cancerous or shows signs of any other skin condition. Still, it is important to care for your skin after a biopsy to ensure proper healing and avoid the risk of infection.

What is a Biopsy?

A biopsy is a method of checking whether a skin sample is cancerous. Skin cancer can creep up on anyone, so it is very important to keep an eye out for new moles, birthmarks, or skin lesions that may be cancerous. If your doctor can’t tell if a growth is cancerous just by examining it, they will most likely recommend a biopsy.

A small sample of your skin will be taken and sent to a lab in order to perform tests on it. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can advise you if further treatment is needed.

How Can I Care For My Skin After a Biopsy?

At the conclusion of your biopsy appointment, your doctor will dress the wound and bandage it up before you go home. Though it is not common, you may experience some bleeding after you leave the office. If this happens, apply pressure to the wound for two sessions of twenty minutes each. If the bleeding continues, call your doctor.

Depending on the location and type of biopsy performed, healing can take between a couple of weeks to a few months. During this time, you should clean the biopsy site in the morning and at night and avoid immersion in water until cleared by your doctor. Though all biopsies leave a scar, you can prevent enlarging your scar by protecting healing biopsy and avoiding bumping or stretching it. Applying Vaseline to the biopsy site can also aid healing.

Why Are Biopsies Done?

Biopsies are performed when the human eye isn’t enough to determine if a growth is cancerous. By sending a small sample of your skin to a lab, experts can run tests on it to ensure there are no abnormal cells that are already cancerous or could become cancerous. If there is cancer present, these tests can indicate its type and progression in order to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Biopsies are also helpful in diagnosing other conditions. For example, a biopsy can indicate actinic keratosis, bullous pemphigoid, and other inflammatory or infectious skin conditions. The tests performed in a biopsy help ensure accurate diagnoses in cases where a condition is present and can provide peace of mind for patients who have harmless growths.

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Simply fill out the form on this page to request an appointment and one of our knowledgable team members will reach out to you. Or call our Sierra Vista oncology center to schedule directly at (520) 803-6644.

What is Recovery Like After a Biopsy?

A biopsy is a quick skin excision usually performed under local anesthesia in order to minimize your discomfort. You won’t need to take extensive downtime, but you should avoid any rough or strenuous activities that may disrupt your healing process.

When your doctor hears back from the lab, they will likely call you or set up an appointment to discuss your results. Depending on the lab and the type of tests required, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Testimonials

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At Cochise Oncology, we know optimal cancer treatment places the patient first – and our patients experience this every day. Read what our satisfied patients are saying about their experiences at Cochise Oncology.

From the time I walked in the door, I was treated with care and compassion. The gals up front knew my name from the second day on. Everyone I came in contact with was super! I saw a smiling, kind, compassionate and knowledgeable face from the time I walked in, to the time I walked out. When I asked a question - I got an answer. I was scared. I was anxious. They handled me with grace and that isn't easy. I saw the staff for one reason or another for 30 days straight. I never saw grumpy, angry or an unkind face. I'm getting ready to start the rest of my treatment. I go to my appointments knowing I'm in good - no great hands!

The ladies that work the front desk are very nice and go above and beyond. My Father is a Veteran had some issues navigating the VA system. They called Antonio on his cellphone who is their PR person and a Vet himself he walked my Father through the process in terms a old soldier would understand which my Father really appreciated. Everything got approved for his treatments and he has a new friend to meet up with at the VFW!!! Having them go that extra step made all the difference. THANK YOU COCHISE ONCOLOGY!!!

Fantastic staff! Receptionists are very professional. They are knowledgeable as to my copay amount and always provide me with a receipt. Very friendly! Dr. Klarnett is extremely friendly, very compassionate and providing me with solutions to my problem. Casey the insurance verification clerk is outstanding in regards to prior authorization. Explains in detail what is involved in your treatment plan, co-pays, and penalty if you do not show up for treatment. It's good to know your out of pocket charge if you don't follow her instructions. Meagan is super nurse! Always so friendly. Always a smile on her face while she is multitasking in between patients. Very compassionate, personal, and a joy to talk to. Overall I like coming here for my labs and care.

Take the Next Step

Do you have questions about skincare after a biopsy? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 335-9460 or fill out the consultation form on this page.

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