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Mole Biopsy Results, Healing, Cost & Procedure

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Once a mole biopsy has been conducted, it is likely to have questions on how long mole biopsy healing will take. Of concern would also be the mole biopsy cost, procedure and results. Whether the mole biopsy process is painful and the mole biopsy after care procedures are also things to be concerned about. With this realization, this post is meant to help you learn things concerning these areas.

Mole biopsy is necessary especially when the mole may have exhibited some changes. Right from the diagnostic stage, a lot of things happen until the mole biopsy is performed. It is important to know how to carry out post-operative care so that the mole biopsy wound does not get infected. Also knowing what to expect in dealing with mole removal is necessary to help in the helping process.

Mole Removal Biopsy

Mole removal biopsy is most often carried out to enhance analysis of a given mole. When the specimen obtained from the mole tissue is examined in the lab, it is possible to tell if there should be any cause for alarm. Mole removal biopsy is best done early enough to avoid spread of any cancerous cells.

Mole Biopsy Cost

Mole biopsy cost will vary depending on the hospital that one will attend. The average cost ranges between $80 and $400. This is on the lower side and is quite reasonable for people with no insurance covers. Some clinics will charge as high as $3000. Some covers may cover part or whole processes depending on what they have to offer.

The amount above covers everything concerning excision and removal work. It may increase in case other tests are required. A path run will require an additional average of $75. The amount is dependent on the extent of the procedure. A punch biopsy may be cheaper than a total excision. Oral medication administered after the procedure is also not included in the costing.

Local anesthesia being administered
A local anesthesia is administered before biopsy

Mole Biopsy Procedure

A mole biopsy procedure may be conducted because of medical reasons. The process starts off by area around the mole being cleaned up.

  • After drying up a local anesthesia is administered. This is then allowed to take effect for about 10 seconds.
  • After this, the doctor removes the mole using whichever mole biopsy method they deem right. If they choose an excision biopsy, the mole is cut off from beneath the surface of the skin. Bleeding is then stopped through stitching or it will be cauterized. In case the mole is large, a punch excision biopsy is carried out while for small ones, total excision is done.
  • Shave biopsies are done on elevated moles. The raised part gets shaved off and the tissue gets tested.
  • Where the mole has been entangled with blood vessels, what will be performed is likely to be a laser biopsy.

    Shave biopsy
    Shave biopsy is done on elevated moles
  • After the mole has been removed, it is taken to a pathologist for further analysis. This is what determines if it is malignant or benign.

Mole Biopsy Pain

Normally, biopsy procedures will be conducted after a local anesthesia has been administered. While there could be a burning sensation as this is being injected, the whole process will be painless. The anesthesia only dies off after around two hours after which some discomfort may be felt.

Normally, there is no pain associated with mole biopsy. However, pain medication can be used to soothe mole biopsy pain after the anesthesia wears out. Avoid excessive force and stretching on the biopsy site to ensure that no pressure is exerted on the yet to be healed site.

Mole Biopsy Results

mole biopsy
Doctors generally prefer removing the whole mole

After a successful procedure, mole biopsy results will vary. It takes a number of weeks to heal a mole biopsy. After it has healed, a small scar is likely to be left on the operation site. These fade gradually with time. One should avoid situations in which the mole will be totally submerged in water since this may lead to infections. Keep off bath tubs and swimming pools. Shower running water should not be an issue.

The doctors generally prefer removing the whole mole in order to get conclusive mole biopsy results. This will show the extent of melanoma penetration as well as its characteristics. In case the mole has no melanoma, the advantage is to the patient as the worry will be relieved.

Moles situated in sensitive areas may get punch biopsy performed on them. Only a few days will be required after that before one can resume normal duties. Where one is not ready to get the mole biopsy for results, dermascopy can be conducted. This will give results as to whether it is necessary to have the mole removed or let it rest.

Mole Biopsy Healing

After a biopsy has been carried out, there are some post-operative procedures that should be done in order to enhance mole biopsy healing. There

Mole biopsy healing scar
Mole biopsy healing scar

are also factors that will affect the healing. Find these below.

  • The general state of one’s health determines how fast one heals. The location of the mole, genetics and after care also have an effect on the healing.
  • Normally, the skin takes about one year to regain full strength after a biopsy. Rapid stretching and lifting of the operation area could cause increased scarring and in extreme cases separation. Avoid these for fast, mole biopsy healing. Ensure the dressing is left on the wound for the recommended time.
  • Healing occurs with different types of scars. These could be raised, spread or widened. One’s skin thickness and amount of normal bacteria present in skin play a role too.
  • One should maintain a healthy diet to enhance healing. Ensure you include multi vitamins, proteins and vitamins for mole biopsy healing.
  • Soon after the biopsy, one should avoid swimming for at least a week. This will ensure that the wound does not get infected.

Mole Biopsy Aftercare

For fast recovery after the procedure, mole biopsy aftercare is necessary. This will help avoid infections and get the mole to heal fast. Below are some aftercare procedures:

Hydrogen peroxide
Where it seems infected, clean it up using hydrogen peroxide
  • On the day the mole biopsy is done; leave the wound dressing in place. Only change the band aids the following day. Be sure to keep the area dry.
  • While showering, leave the band aid in place. Wait until you dry off before changing them.
  • On the days that the band aid is on, avoid soaking in bath tubs or swimming. This should be up to two weeks after the procedure and at least for five days. Always daily dress the wound until there are no fresh wounds.
  • Where the wounds appear to be fine and there are no signs of infection on sight, only a band aid will be necessary. Where it seems infected, clean it up using hydrogen peroxide. In case the wound scabs as it heals, that is okay.
  • One should refrain from engaging in strenuous activities after the biopsy has been carried out.
  • The healing period should be an easy one. While slight bleeding may be experienced on the day and day after of the biopsy, excessive bleeding should not be experienced. The wound should also not leak pus. In case these a noticed one should see their doctor.
  • Any redness experienced after the procedure is normal. With time it should blend with the skin color.

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