Soft tissue biopsies require little time or involvement from the patient. They enable the foot and ankle surgeon to reach an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment for the specific condition.
A wide variety of medical conditions can be identified through a soft tissue biopsy. Some people think the word biopsy means that cancer is always suspected, but this is not true. In fact, premalignant or malignant conditions account for only a small percentage of the diagnoses made from soft tissue biopsies.
A few examples of conditions assessed through soft tissue biopsies include:
- Freckles (macules)
- Benign pigmented, or colored, spots (moles or nevus)
- Fungal or bacterial infections.
- Rashes (such as eczema or dermatitis)
- Lesions related to a disease affecting the entire body (such as diabetes)
- Nodular conditions (such as a ganglion cyst, lipoma, or fibroma)
- Toenail conditions (onychomycosis, psoriasis)
- Wart-like growths on the skin (benign keratoses)
- Premalignant conditions (actinic and seborrheic keratoses)
- Malignant conditions (skin cancer)
- Shave biopsy. A thin piece of tissue is shaved off.
- Punch biopsy. A small, round instrument removes a tiny core of tissue. Stitches may be needed.
- Incisional or excisional biopsy. A piece, or the entire lesion, is removed. Stitches are often needed.
Patients should follow the instructions provided by the surgeon for care of the biopsy site. If the area has stitches, an appointment will be scheduled for their removal.
It usually takes several days for the lab results to arrive at the surgeon's office. If the patient has not heard about the results after 10 days, the surgeon's office should be contacted. Biopsy results, as well as additional treatment that may be required, will then be discussed.
If you believe you have a condition that requires a biopsy and have not seen a podiatrist yet, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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