Biopsy
Biopsies are used to help diagnose suspicious skin lesions and help provide the best treatment options.
2 common biopsy techniques used:
- Punch Biopsy – removes a small cylinder of skin, usually 2-5 mm diameter
- Shave Biopsy – removes a small thin surface layer of skin
A biopsy is a minor procedure and only takes a few minutes.
- Local Anaesthetic is injected into the skin.
- A small skin sample ( Punch / Shave ) is taken and sent for Pathology
- The biopsy site is covered with a small dressing.
- Over time, the biopsy site shrinks in size.
- The biopsy specimen is sent to a Pathology Laboratory and a report is issued.
- You will be contacted with the biopsy results once available
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a localised treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze abnormal cells by dropping the temperature of the skin below its freezing point. The cells are then destroyed once the area thaws out rupturing the cell walls.
Cryotherapy can treat
- Sunspots
- Actinic keratosis
- Warts
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Very superficial skin cancers
Topical Creams
There are some creams available to treat and manage precancerous lesions or very superficial skin cancers. If you are a suitable candidate this method will be discussed with you during your consultation and a script will be provided.
The two commonly used creams are Aldara and Efudix.
