Our Biopsy and Result Process

We Biopsy Suspicious Lesions Prior to Surgery

At Skin Check WA, we perform simple biopsy tests on suspicious skin lesions to confirm cancer, before recommending or proceeding to final treatment.
This reduces surgery that is not needed or unnecessarily large.
It allows us to recommend the best treatment based on the test result.

What happens in a biopsy?

Simple biopsies such as a shave or punch can be done at the time of a skin check. By using a special local anaesthetic mix, the discomfort is similar to that of a vaccination.
A shave does not use stitches, so there is no return visit required if the result is OK.
A punch requires one or two stitches. A return visit is required to remove them.

How we will let you know of the result

We use an SMS system to notify you of any recommended action. It usually takes 10 days to 2 weeks to process a biopsy test. It may say:

“Not Cancerous and see you at next check”, or

“Abnormal and needs return visit”

Medicolegally all abnormal cancer-related test results must be discussed personally with a doctor before we are able to release it.

What happens if the result is abnormal?

There are different types of skin cancers with different implications. This will be discussed with you at a consultation, where you can obtain a copy of the result.

An abnormal result does not necessarily mean skin cancer. It may be pre-cancerous that can benefit from treatment.

Please note we cannot forward an abnormal result to you prior to a consultation.