The biopsy is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient usually feels a small needle stick and a little burning for about a minute, with a little pressure but no pain. It is performed with a local anesthetic. This procedure is more often used for diagnosing skin diseases and for treating benign moles than for sampling suspected melanoma, which may have penetrated deeper tissues. If the entire tumor is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. If only a portion of the tumor is removed, it is called an incisional biopsy.
Excisional biopsy is the method usually preferred when melanoma is suspected.
Local anesthetic is sometimes used to numb the area, but the test rarely causes much discomfort and leaves no scar. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a health problem. Please consult with your health care provider about your health care concerns.