Skin lesion aspiration
What is a Skin Lesion Aspiration?
The skin lesion aspiration procedure is a type of skin biopsy on a lesion. The procedure involves taking a tissue sample from a bump, mole, or other lesion on the skin and examining it under a microscope for any signs of an infection or abnormal growth. Skin lesion aspirations can provide useful information that can help with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of skin conditions.
Preparation
Before a skin lesion aspiration, it’s important for the doctor to obtain as much information as possible about the lesion. This includes:
- Detailed medical history
- Size, shape, color, and texture of the lesion
- Location on the body
- Pain or other symptoms (e.g. itching) associated with the lesion
The doctor may take digital pictures of the patient’s lesions for use in a medical record or for comparison as the condition progresses or changes.
Procedure
During the procedure, the doctor will use a syringe to withdraw fluid or cell samples from the lesion. Depending on the type and size of the lesion, the doctor may use a scalpel to scrape away a small amount of tissue. These samples are then put on microscope slides for further examination.
Types of Skin Lesions
There are a number of different types of skin lesions, including:
- Actinic keratoses
- Basal cell carcinomas
- Lentigines
- Moles
- Nodules
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Squamous cell carcinomas
- Vitiligo
- Warts
The type and/or size of lesion may determine whether a skin lesion aspiration or a different type of biopsy will be necessary.
Risks
The skin lesion aspiration procedure is generally considered to be safe and carries minimal risks. Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Bleeding
It is important to ensure that the doctor performing the procedure is experienced in this type of procedure.
Why it is necessary?
The purpose of a skin lesion aspiration is to identify infections and/or abnormal growths and help to determine a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In some cases, the procedure may also be used to confirm the diagnosis of a skin condition or monitor the progress of a particular skin condition.
When to Undergo the Procedure?
Skin lesion aspirations may be recommended by a doctor in any of the following situations:
- You have a lesion that appears to be an infection
- You have a suspicious-looking mole or skin growth
- There is a change in size, shape, color, or texture of a mole or skin growth
- You have a lesion that has not responded to treatment
- You have a family history of skin cancer
A skin lesion aspiration is an important tool that can help to diagnose and/or monitor a wide range of skin conditions.