Mole Biopsy Finds Melanoma

What is a mole biopsy?

A mole biopsy is a medical procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from a mole (also known as a nevus) for examination under a microscope. The purpose of a mole biopsy is to determine whether the mole is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

There are different types of mole biopsies, including:

1. Punch Biopsy: In a punch biopsy, a special tool called a punch is used to remove a small, cylindrical sample of tissue from the mole. The area is typically numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure. The removed tissue is then sent to a laboratory for examination by a pathologist.
2. Excisional Biopsy: In an excisional biopsy, the entire mole is surgically removed along with a small margin of surrounding skin. This type of biopsy is often used when a mole appears suspicious or when a complete sample is needed for examination. The removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
3. Incisional Biopsy: An incisional biopsy involves removing only a portion of the mole for examination. This may be done if the mole is large, and removing the entire mole would result in significant scarring or if only a portion of the mole appears abnormal.
4. Shave Biopsy: A shave biopsy involves using a scalpel or razor blade to shave off the top layers of the mole for examination. This type of biopsy is typically used for moles that are raised above the skin surface.

After the mole biopsy, the tissue sample is sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The pathologist will assess the cells in the tissue sample to determine whether there are any signs of cancer, such as abnormal cell growth or changes in cell structure.

Based on the results of the mole biopsy, further treatment or monitoring may be recommended. If the biopsy indicates that the mole is cancerous, additional procedures such as further excision or Mohs surgery may be necessary to remove any remaining cancerous cells. If the biopsy shows that the mole is benign, no further treatment may be needed, although regular monitoring of the area may be recommended.