Surgical skin biopsy
Surgical skin biopsy is a diagnostic procedure involving the removal of a tissue sample or the entire skin lesion for microscopic examination by a pathologist. It is the only method that can determine the nature of a lesion at the cellular level. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia and does not require a referral.
Surgical biopsy is the only diagnostic method that allows a skin lesion to be assessed histopathologically. Tissue-destroying methods, such as laser treatment or cryotherapy, make examination after the procedure impossible.
Registration: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–5:00 pm. The procedure may be possible on the same day as the consultation, depending on availability.
| Type of procedure | diagnostic / surgical |
| Anaesthesia | local |
| Duration | approx. 20–40 minutes |
| Referral | not required |
| Histopathology result | usually around 14 days |
| Doctor | Piotr Rak, MD, PhD |
| Price | PLN 850 |
Dr Piotr Rak · Dr Iwona Chruścicka
result with a pathologist’s report, approx. 14 days
private care, short waiting time
Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–8:00 pm
What is a surgical skin biopsy?
A surgical skin biopsy involves removing tissue with a scalpel and sending it for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Depending on the size and nature of the lesion, the doctor performs one of two types of biopsy.
Excisional biopsy
The doctor removes the entire lesion with a margin of healthy tissue and sends it for histopathological examination. This is the preferred method for lesions suspected of being cancerous, as it allows the lesion to be diagnosed and removed at the same time.
Incisional biopsy
The doctor removes a sample from a larger lesion when complete excision is not appropriate at that stage. The sample is used to establish a diagnosis and plan further management. The type of biopsy is selected individually by the doctor.
Surgical biopsy versus removal of a skin lesion — what is the difference?
These two terms are sometimes confused. The purpose of a biopsy is diagnosis — determining the nature of the lesion. The purpose of removing a skin lesion is to eliminate it — for medical or aesthetic reasons. In practice, an excisional biopsy often serves both purposes: it removes the lesion and provides tissue for examination.
If your main aim is to remove a lesion, such as an epidermal cyst or fibroma, you can find more information on the page about surgical removal of skin lesions. The appropriate method is selected by the doctor during a surgical consultationWhen is a surgical skin biopsy performed?
A biopsy is considered when a skin lesion requires histopathological assessment. The most common indications include:
pigmented naevi that change colour, shape or size,
- lesions that bleed, ooze or fail to heal,
- ulcers and nodules of uncertain nature,
- lesions suspected of cancer and identified by a dermatologist after
- dermoscopy ,the need to confirm a diagnosis before further treatment.
- If you are unsure where to start, a
dermatology consultation or surgical consultation may be helpful.When is a surgical skin biopsy performed?
How is a surgical skin biopsy performed?
The doctor assesses the lesion, performs dermoscopy if indicated, selects the type of biopsy and discusses the procedure, risks and recovery. The patient gives informed consent.
The skin is disinfected and the treatment area is covered with sterile drapes.
The doctor administers local anaesthetic around the lesion to minimise pain during tissue removal.
The doctor removes the lesion or a sample of it with an appropriate margin of healthy tissue, depending on the planned biopsy type.
Sutures and a dressing are applied. The patient receives instructions on wound care, suture removal and activity restrictions.
The collected tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory. A report from the pathologist is usually available after approximately 14 days.
The doctor discusses the histopathology result and, if necessary, plans further management. If a malignant lesion is diagnosed, an oncology consultation may be required.
What happens to the collected sample?
The collected tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory, where a pathologist examines it under a microscope and determines whether the lesion is benign or malignant. If necessary, additional histochemical or immunohistochemical tests are performed. The written pathology report is discussed with the doctor during a follow-up appointment. More information: histopathological examination in GdańskWhen is a surgical skin biopsy performed?
Recovery after a surgical skin biopsy
Most patients can return to light everyday activities on the same day. While the wound is healing, you should:
- protect the wound from dirt and moisture,
- avoid strenuous physical activity for the period advised by the doctor,
- follow wound-care and medication instructions,
- attend the scheduled appointment for suture removal and discussion of the result.
Sutures are usually removed after 7–14 days, depending on the location. The doctor provides detailed instructions after the procedure.
When should you contact the doctor after the procedure?
Urgent contact is required in case of increasing pain, worsening swelling or redness, fever, purulent discharge from the wound, separation of the sutures or wound edges, or concerning fluid leakage. Tel.: 600 006 913
Possible complications
As with any surgical procedure, a skin biopsy carries a risk of complications. These may include bleeding and haematoma, wound infection, delayed healing, wound separation, a visible or hypertrophic scar, altered skin sensation around the incision and, in exceptional cases, the need for another intervention. The doctor discusses the risks individually before the procedure.
Contraindications to surgical biopsy
The decision to perform the procedure is made by the doctor after assessing the patient’s health. Common contraindications include blood-clotting disorders, anticoagulant treatment that cannot be interrupted, active infection at the planned treatment site, uncontrolled chronic diseases and a severe general condition. This list is not exhaustive.
Doctors performing surgical skin biopsies
General and oncological surgeon and founder of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej. Diagnosis and surgical treatment of skin lesions, biopsies and oncological surgery.
General and oncological surgeon. Diagnosis and surgical treatment of skin lesions, biopsies and oncological surgery.
Surgical skin biopsy in Gdańsk — book a consultation
No referral required. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Histopathology result with a pathologist’s report. Price: PLN 850.
Frequently asked questions — skin biopsy in Gdańsk
What does a surgical skin biopsy feel like?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which minimises pain during tissue removal. A brief burning sensation may occur when the anaesthetic is injected. After the procedure, once the anaesthetic wears off, mild discomfort or pain may occur and usually responds well to standard over-the-counter painkillers.
How long does it take to receive a skin biopsy result?
The histopathology result is usually available within approximately 14 days. You receive a written report from the pathologist and discuss it with the doctor during a follow-up appointment. If a malignant lesion is suspected, the laboratory may perform additional tests, which can extend the waiting time.
Do I need a referral for a skin biopsy?
No. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, surgical skin biopsies are performed privately and without a referral. The first step is a surgical consultation, during which the doctor assesses the lesion and qualifies the patient for the appropriate type of biopsy.
Will a scar remain after a skin biopsy?
Yes. A surgical biopsy involves an incision and sutures, so a scar is an unavoidable consequence. Its appearance depends on the location and size of the lesion, the surgical technique, healing and individual predisposition. An experienced surgeon plans the incision to reduce the visibility of the scar, but its final appearance cannot be guaranteed.
How does a surgical biopsy differ from a needle biopsy?
A surgical biopsy involves removing part or all of a lesion with a scalpel. A needle biopsy, either fine-needle or core-needle, collects material with a needle and is mainly used for deeper lesions, for example in the breast or thyroid. The choice of method depends on the type and location of the lesion.
Why is a lesion not removed with a laser instead of performing a biopsy?
Laser treatment and cryotherapy destroy the tissue, making histopathological examination impossible. If the nature of the lesion is unknown or raises oncological concerns, a surgical biopsy is the only method that both removes the lesion and provides tissue for microscopic assessment. The doctor decides which method is appropriate.
Skin diagnostics and surgery — related procedures
Microscopic assessment of tissue collected during a biopsy.
Details →Non-invasive assessment of moles and skin lesions before a decision about biopsy is made.
Details →Surgical removal of benign lesions when the aim is removal rather than diagnosis.
Details →Qualification for biopsy, discussion of skin lesions and selection of the method.
Book an appointment →Assessment of skin lesions by a dermatologist — a starting point for many patients.
Details →Surgical skin biopsy in Gdańsk — Piotr Rak, MD, PhD
Oncological surgery · Diagnosis of skin lesions · 15 Toruńska Street, Gdańsk · Price: PLN 850
The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. A surgical skin biopsy requires individual qualification, and the doctor decides on the indications, method and risks. Histopathology results are discussed with the patient during a follow-up appointment. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, 15 Toruńska Street, unit AU1, Gdańsk. Tel.: 600 006 913.