Removal or sampling of skin lesions, lumps and cysts under local anaesthetic at Morisset Doctors, with samples sent to pathology and results followed up with you. These procedures attract a fee.
GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Procedures are not bulk billed.
Tap to see moreReception will confirm the cost.
FeesSome medicines affect bleeding.
Tap to see moreDo not stop them without advice.
Call receptionKeep the area clean and dry as advised.
Tap to see moreMost people return to normal activities quickly.
AftercareSamples go to pathology.
Tap to see moreBook a follow-up to discuss results.
ResultsChoose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
A biopsy removes a small sample of skin to find out what a spot is. Common types are punch, shave and excisional biopsies.
It is done under local anaesthetic and usually takes a few minutes.
The local anaesthetic stings briefly; then it should be comfortable.
Sometimes, depending on the type.
A small excision removes a whole spot or lump, such as a skin cancer, cyst or lipoma, with stitches to close the wound.
Larger or complex lesions may be referred to a specialist.
Usually after 5 to 14 days, depending on the site.
There will be a small scar; your GP will explain.
Keep the dressing clean and dry as advised, watch for redness, swelling, pus or fever, and come back for stitch removal and results.
Contact the clinic if you are worried about the wound.
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever.
Your GP will advise when.
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
A small circular blade, usually 3 to 6 mm, removes a core of skin. One or two stitches may be needed.
A raised spot is shaved off level with the skin. It usually heals without stitches.
The whole spot is removed with a margin of normal skin in a thin ellipse, then closed with stitches in a neat line.
A biopsy removes a small piece of skin, or a whole spot, so it can be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. It is the only way to know for certain what a spot is.
Biopsies are commonly used to check moles, scaly patches, sores that do not heal and lumps under the skin.
A punch biopsy uses a small circular blade, usually 3 to 6 mm, to take a core of skin; one or two stitches may be needed. A shave biopsy removes a raised spot level with the skin and usually heals without stitches.
An excisional biopsy removes the whole spot with a small margin of normal skin and is closed with stitches. An incisional biopsy removes part of a larger area. Your GP will explain which suits your spot and why.
A minor excision removes a skin cancer, cyst, lipoma or other lesion completely. The wound is usually shaped as a thin ellipse so it closes neatly in a straight line.
Lesions on the face, near the eyes or lips, or that are large or deep may be referred to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Tell your GP about blood thinners, aspirin, fish oil and supplements, allergies to local anaesthetic, dressings or tape, and any history of poor healing or keloid scars. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises.
Eat normally, wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area, and plan to avoid heavy exercise for a few days if the area is under tension.
Your GP confirms the spot, cleans the skin and injects local anaesthetic, which stings for a few seconds and then numbs the area. You will feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain.
The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, including stitching and dressing. You can usually drive home and return to most normal activities the same day.
All procedures leave a scar, which usually fades over months. Other possible risks include bleeding, bruising, infection, the wound opening, numbness and, rarely, a raised or thickened scar.
Your GP will explain the risks for your site and how to reduce them.
Keep the dressing on and dry for 24 to 48 hours, then follow your wound care instructions. Avoid stretching the area, swimming and heavy lifting until the stitches are out.
Stitches are usually removed after about 5 to 7 days on the face, 7 to 10 days on the body and 10 to 14 days on the legs, back or feet.
The sample is sent to pathology, and results usually take a few days to a week. Book a follow-up appointment to discuss them.
If the result shows a skin cancer, your GP will explain whether the margins are clear and whether further treatment or a specialist referral is needed.
A general guide; your GP will advise.
A biopsy or excision may be recommended.
Next stepBook a skin check first.Many are cysts or lipomas; your GP will assess.
Next stepBook an appointment.Tell your GP; do not stop medicines without advice.
Next stepCall reception before your procedure.Signs of infection need review.
Next stepCall the clinic or book same day.Test what you know about biopsies and minor excisions. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
A biopsy is the only way to know for certain what a spot is.
A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope.
All procedures leave a scar.
Scars usually fade over months; your GP will explain what to expect.
You should stop blood thinners before a procedure.
Never stop prescribed medicines without your doctor's advice.
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
Under local anaesthetic.
Depending on the site.
From pathology.
Reception will confirm.
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
A spot or lump is checked.
Biopsy or excision.
Aftercare and results.
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with biopsies and minor excisions. These team members list it among their interests.
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
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Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
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Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
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Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book nowA little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
No; procedures attract a fee.
Usually a few minutes.
Usually yes, unless advised otherwise.
Usually within a few days to a week.
No.
Many small cysts can; your GP will advise.
