Excisional Biopsy in Gdańsk

An excisional biopsy helps establish a diagnosis by examining an entire removed lesion. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, excisional biopsies of skin lesions are performed exclusively by surgical oncologists: Dr Natalia Spychalska and Dr Kamil Drucis. Every tissue specimen is submitted for histopathological examination.

What is an excisional biopsy?

An excisional biopsy involves surgically removing the entire visible lesion together with a margin of surrounding tissue determined by the doctor. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to identify the type of lesion and any features relevant to further management.

An incisional biopsy removes only part of a lesion. An excisional biopsy allows the whole lesion and its relationship to the edges of the removed tissue to be assessed. You can read about other sampling methods on our skin biopsy page.

When is an excisional skin biopsy recommended?

An excisional biopsy may be considered when a lesion has uncertain or suspicious features on clinical examination or dermoscopy, and histopathological examination is needed to establish a diagnosis. This includes suspicious pigmented moles and other small skin lesions that can be safely removed in their entirety.

The choice of biopsy method depends on the suspected diagnosis, the size of the lesion and its location. For larger lesions or those in certain anatomical locations, the doctor may recommend taking a representative sample rather than removing the entire lesion during the initial procedure.

Excisional biopsy for suspected melanoma

When melanoma is suspected, the preferred diagnostic approach is to remove the entire lesion with a narrow margin of normal-looking skin, provided this is anatomically feasible. Taking a specimen of sufficient depth allows the pathologist to assess features such as the thickness of any invasive melanoma.

An excisional biopsy is a diagnostic step and does not always complete treatment. If melanoma is confirmed, further surgery to remove additional tissue around the biopsy scar is usually required. The extent of this procedure and the need for any additional investigations are determined by the histopathology findings.

How to prepare for an excisional biopsy

Before the procedure, the surgical oncologist examines the lesion and discusses the planned excision, possible complications and how the wound will be closed. Bring any previous dermoscopy or histopathology reports, if available.

Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, bleeding disorders, allergies to local anaesthetics and previous problems with wound healing. Do not stop anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines on your own. Your doctor will decide whether any changes to your medication or tests before the procedure are needed.

What happens during the procedure, and does an excisional biopsy hurt?

At our centre, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic injection may cause brief stinging or burning. During the excision, you may feel touch or a pulling sensation; tell the doctor immediately if you feel pain.

The surgeon removes the lesion, controls any bleeding and usually closes the wound with stitches. A dressing is then applied, and you receive instructions on wound care and follow-up. A hospital stay is not required.

Healing and aftercare following an excisional biopsy

You may experience tenderness, mild swelling or bruising after the procedure. The excision leaves a scar, which changes in appearance as it heals. Possible complications include bleeding, infection and reopening of the wound.

• Care for the wound and change the dressing according to the instructions provided after your procedure.
• Protect the biopsy site from injury and excessive stretching of the skin; discuss returning to exercise with your doctor.
• Avoid swimming pools and prolonged soaking of the biopsy site until the wound has healed.
• Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment. Stitches that require removal are usually taken out after approximately 7–14 days, depending on the location and how the wound is healing.

Contact your doctor if you develop worsening pain, increasing redness, pus, a fever or persistent bleeding.

Histopathology results – how long will I wait?

Tissue obtained during an excisional biopsy is examined by Dr Artur Antolak, a specialist pathologist. The report identifies the type of lesion and, where relevant, the status of the excision margins and other features needed to plan treatment.

The waiting time for histopathology results at our centre is approximately 30 days. Additional staining or a specialist review of the tissue slides may extend this timeframe.

Discuss your results with the doctor who performed the biopsy. A benign lesion may require no further treatment. If cancer is diagnosed, further investigations and treatment need to be planned. An oncology consultation with Dr Magdalena Korożan is also available at our centre when indicated.

Excisional biopsy in Gdańsk – book a consultation

For assessment and an excisional biopsy at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, book an appointment with:

• Dr Natalia Spychalska,
• Dr Kamil Drucis.

Book through ZnanyLekarz or contact our reception team by telephone on +48 58 719 10 25 or by email at kontakt@tartaczna2.pl.