The size of a biopsy cut varies, but it's typically 3 to 8 millimeters (mm) across. This is roughly the size of a pencil eraser (approximately 5mm).
Understanding Biopsy Size
The size of the biopsy depends on several factors, including the location and size of the suspicious area needing examination. A dermatologist or other medical professional will determine the appropriate size.
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Punch Biopsy: This common type uses a hollow, circular scalpel (a trephine) to remove a cylindrical sample of tissue. The size of this tool determines the size of the resulting biopsy. As noted previously, this can range from 3 to 8 mm in diameter.
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Incisional Biopsy: This technique removes only a portion of the suspicious area, and the size can vary considerably depending on the lesion.
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Excisional Biopsy: This involves the complete removal of the lesion and some surrounding tissue. The size will naturally depend on the size of the lesion itself.
It's important to remember that these are just general size ranges. The actual size of your biopsy will be determined by your doctor based on your specific needs. Always discuss any concerns about the procedure with your physician.
