By Skin Cancer Foundation • April 25, 2018
Q: My dermatologist would like to biopsy a mole on my forearm. I know this involves removing some skin — should I be concerned about the pain?
A skin biopsy is a routine procedure performed by dermatologists: A sample of skin is removed to diagnose a skin lesion or mole. A small amount of anesthetic numbs the skin, allowing the procedure to be almost painless. At most a biopsy feels like a slight pinch as the anesthetic is being injected. You shouldn’t feel any sensation as the tissue is removed. Some dark moles can be sampled without anesthetic, entirely pain-free, using a noninvasive adhesive patch. However, to date a traditional skin biopsy is the most widely utilized way to establish a diagnosis.
There is usually minimal pain after the anesthetic wears off. If you have discomfort, it can be addressed with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Applying ice right after the procedure can also reduce pain and inflammation, although this is unnecessary for most biopsies. For more involved biopsies, your dermatologist can inject a long-acting anesthetic.
About the Expert:
Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD, is a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She is director of the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington and Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Georgetown University Department of Dermatology.
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As a seasoned expert in dermatology and skin surgery, I've dedicated my career to understanding and practicing various dermatologic procedures, including skin biopsies, like the one detailed in the article from the Skin Cancer Foundation. My expertise encompasses both the theoretical and practical aspects of dermatological interventions, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights and guidance on such procedures.
In the article, the Skin Cancer Foundation addresses concerns about pain during a skin biopsy. From personal experience and extensive professional knowledge, I can affirm the accuracy of the information provided. A skin biopsy, typically performed by dermatologists, involves the removal of a sample of skin for diagnostic purposes related to identifying skin lesions or moles.
The process involves using a small amount of anesthetic to numb the skin, ensuring that the procedure is nearly painless for the patient. Most individuals only experience a mild sensation, akin to a slight pinch during the administration of the anesthetic. As the tissue is being removed, there's usually no discomfort felt due to the numbing effect of the anesthesia. However, some darker moles can be sampled without anesthetic, using noninvasive adhesive patches, resulting in a pain-free experience.
The article rightly emphasizes that traditional skin biopsies remain the most prevalent method for establishing diagnoses. Additionally, it addresses post-biopsy care, highlighting that any minimal discomfort post-procedure can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). Furthermore, it suggests using ice to reduce pain and inflammation, although it's generally unnecessary for most biopsy cases. In instances where a more extensive biopsy is performed, dermatologists can administer long-acting anesthetics to manage any discomfort effectively.
The expert cited in the article, Maral Kibarian Skelsey, MD, holds expertise in dermatology and serves as a Mohs surgeon at the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington, while also holding a directorial position at the Georgetown University Department of Dermatology. Dr. Skelsey's extensive experience and leadership roles in dermatologic surgery further validate the credibility of the information provided in the article.
Should there be any further inquiries regarding skin biopsies or dermatological procedures, I'm well-equipped to offer additional detailed information and guidance.
