Dr. Rajiv Nijhawan, MD, FAAD
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. As Skin Cancer Awareness Month continues, it’s important to check your skin regularly, and if you notice a spot on your skin that is different from others or that changes, itches, or bleeds, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
If you notice anything suspicious on your skin, your dermatologist will examine it and may perform a skin biopsy. For many skin diseases and conditions — including skin cancer and some rashes — a skin biopsy is the best way to confirm the diagnosis. A skin biopsy can be done during an office visit with your dermatologist using local anesthesia to numb the area. During a skin biopsy, your dermatologist removes a small amount of skin, which will be looked at under a microscope to make a diagnosis.
“Your dermatologist will treat the small wound from the skin biopsy during your visit,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rajiv Nijhawan, MD, FAAD. “Continuing to care for your wound once you get home is important because it will help it heal, reduce scarring, and decrease chances of infection.”
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