At Dermadocs Skin Cancer Clinic in Parkside, Adelaide, we use precise diagnostic procedures — including skin biopsies and laboratory analysis — to confirm the nature of suspicious spots, moles or lesions. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment, peace of mind, and long-term skin health.
When a clinician examines your skin and finds a suspicious lesion or mole, visual assessment and dermatoscopy are often the first steps in evaluation. However, the definitive diagnosis of skin cancer typically involves a biopsy — a small surgical procedure in which a tissue sample is taken and sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic evaluation.
A skin biopsy helps determine whether a lesion is:
Biopsy results guide your clinician in selecting the most appropriate treatment option. Without biopsy confirmation, many skin cancers can be misdiagnosed or delayed, potentially affecting outcomes.
Different biopsy techniques may be used depending on the size, location and appearance of the lesion:
Shave Biopsy
A shallow layer of the lesion is removed using a razor-like tool, making it suitable for superficial spots. This method usually doesn’t require stitches.
Punch Biopsy
A circular tool is used to remove a deeper core of skin, including the dermis and sometimes fatty tissue. This is often used when a deeper sample is needed.
Excisional Biopsy
The entire lesion — and sometimes a border of healthy tissue — is removed. This procedure often requires stitches and provides a more complete tissue sample for analysis.
Before the biopsy begins:
Biopsy procedures are usually quick, minimally invasive and performed in-clinic. Results generally take a few days to return.
Once removed, the biopsy sample is sent to a laboratory where a pathologist reviews the tissue. This microscopic examination:
Accurate histopathology is critical for planning the right care pathway.
Your Dermadocs clinician may recommend a biopsy if a lesion appears:
Biopsy isn’t always needed for every mole, especially if it looks benign. Sometimes lesions are monitored closely instead of immediately biopsied.
After your biopsy:
Healing times vary slightly based on biopsy type and location.
No — a local anaesthetic is used so you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
Most biopsy procedures are quick and completed in-clinic, often within 10–20 minutes.
Any skin biopsy can leave a small scar; the visibility depends on the biopsy type and location.
Results are typically returned in a few days, but time can vary by pathology provider.
