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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

Back to skin conditions

Dysplastic nevus other diagnostic studies

Introduction

Overview

Overview

When an atypical mole has been identified, a biopsy takes place in order to best diagnose it. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, then the mole is biopsied. The biopsy material is then sent to a laboratory to be evaluated by a Pathologist.

Biopsy

Biopsy

  • Patients who have lesions suspected to be melanoma should always be biopsied.[1]
  • An excisional biopsy (either elliptical, punch, or saucerization) of the thickest portion of the lesion with 1-3 mm margins is recommended.[1]
  • Shave biopsy is acceptable only when the index of suspicion for melanoma is low.[1]
  • The following should be reported when a biopsy is being reported:[1]
References

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Coit DG, Andtbacka R, Anker CJ, Bichakjian CK, Carson WE, Daud A; et al. (2013). “Melanoma, version 2.2013: featured updates to the NCCN guidelines”. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 11 (4): 395–407. PMID 23584343.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]