SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE BIOPSIES

A soft-tissue biopsy is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that helps diagnose various skin and soft tissue conditions, enabling accurate treatment planning.

What Is a Soft-Tissue Biopsy?

A soft-tissue biopsy is the removal and microscopic examination of a small sample of soft tissue for diagnostic purposes. Soft tissue includes the skin, fat, muscle and tendons that surround, connect or support other tissues or organs. Soft-tissue biopsies require little time or involvement from the patient. They enable the foot and ankle surgeon to reach an accurate diagnosis and to determine the best treatment for the specific condition.

Conditions Identified by Soft-Tissue Biopsies

  • Freckles (macules)
  • Benign pigmented, or colored, spots (moles or nevus)
  • Fungal or bacterial infections
  • Rashes (such as eczema or dermatitis)
  • Lesions related to a disease affecting the entire body (such as diabetes)
  • Nodular conditions (such as a ganglion cyst, lipoma or fibroma)
  • Toenail conditions (onychomycosis, psoriasis)
  • Wart-like growths on the skin (benign keratoses)
  • Premalignant conditions (actinic and seborrheic keratoses)

What Does the Biopsy Involve?

A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue and takes just a few minutes. The procedure performed will depend on the tissue to be sampled. Shave, punch, aspiration, incisional, or excisional biopsies can be performed in the office and results are usually ready in 2 weeks.

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Levick Foot and Ankle Institute