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Excisions are small surgeries to remove lesions from the body. They are done to remove a problematic lesion – like skin cancer – or to get a biopsy for laboratory diagnosis.
What is it?
In dermatology, excisions are used to remove lesions from your skin by cutting them off completely. Excisions are commonly used to remove an unwanted – or dangerous lesion. Lesions on the dangerous side include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. An excision can also be used to remove a benign (non-cancerous) lesion for cosmetic reasons or to eliminate irritation.
When used to get a sample for lab diagnosis, an excision is often called a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue from your body so it can be evaluated under a microscope. This diagnostic test is frequently used to identify the nature of skin irregularities such as moles, lesions, rashes, or growths that could be symptoms of skin disorders, allergies, infections, or cancer. It can also serve as a means to track the evolution of treatment in certain conditions. Our board-certified dermatology team contacts patients promptly upon completion of lab diagnosis, minimizing the time you need to wait.
Excisions of all types carried out in our offices in in Berkley, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Commerce, or Novi, Michigan. Patients receive local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and go home immediately after application of a bandage.
We understand the anxiety that any excision may bring, and that's why we ensure a serene and supportive environment at our clinics. Your tissue sample goes to the onsite pathology lab for a microscopic evaluation. The lab at Associated Dermatologists is fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists, which means it meets the highest standards for quality and accuracy.
Types of growths that may need a biopsy for diagnosis include:
• Moles
• Warts
• Cysts
• Actinic keratosis
• Skin cancers
• Skin infections
• Skin tags
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis
What to expect
Home care after a excision is typically simple and straightforward. Your Associated Dermatologists provider will give you instructions to follow in the days following your procedure. This typically includes changing your bandage, cleaning the affected area, and applying a topical treatment to speed healing and prevent infection.