Health Hub · Skin cancer

A biopsy is often the step between “your GP is not sure about this spot” and a clear answer. If you have just had one, or have one booked, it helps to know what the procedure involves, how to look after the site, and what happens once the results come back.

Key points

✓A biopsy takes a small sample so a pathology laboratory can give a definitive answer
✓It is done under local anaesthetic and usually takes minutes
✓Results typically come back within about a week
✓Many results need no further treatment at all
✓If treatment is needed, most of it can be done on site at our Pialba rooms

Why your GP suggests a biopsy

Dermoscopy tells your GP how suspicious a spot looks; a biopsy is how a spot is definitively identified. A small sample of tissue (or sometimes the whole lesion) is removed and sent to a pathology laboratory, where a specialist pathologist examines the cells. If you are curious about the assessment step that comes first, see our guide to dermoscopy, and for background on what the laboratory is looking for, the three main types of skin cancer.

The procedure itself

Skin biopsies at Main Street Medical Centre are performed by our GPs under local anaesthetic. Depending on the spot, your doctor may take a shave biopsy (a thin sample from the surface), a punch biopsy (a small circular sample), or an excisional biopsy (removing the whole lesion). The injection stings briefly; after that the area is numb and the procedure itself usually takes a few minutes. You will leave with a dressing and clear instructions. Details of the options are on our biopsies and excisions page.

Custom-built skin cancer procedure room at Main Street Medical Centre Pialba — One of the dedicated on-site procedure rooms at 71 Main Street, Pialba.

Dedicated skin cancer procedure room with surgical light and instrument trolley at Main Street Medical Centre Pialba — Biopsies and excisions are performed in our dedicated on-site procedure rooms.

Looking after the biopsy site

Follow the specific instructions your doctor gives you; as a general rule, keep the dressing clean and dry for as long as advised, avoid stretching or knocking the area, and expect some mild tenderness for a day or two. Contact the practice if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge or fever, or if bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure. If stitches were placed, you will be told when to return to have them removed.

When and how you get results

Most results are back within about a week, though some tests take longer. The practice will arrange how you receive yours, usually at a follow-up appointment where your doctor can explain the finding properly and answer questions. If you have not heard anything in the timeframe you were given, call us on (07) 4325 4000 rather than assume no news is good news.

What the next steps can be

Benign

Many biopsies come back benign and need nothing further beyond routine skin checks. See how often to have a skin check.

Monitor

Some spots earn a watch-and-review plan, with digital dermoscopy photos so change can be picked rather than guessed.

Treat

Some results need a wider surgical excision, cryotherapy or prescription creams, performed on site; specialist referral is arranged where appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Does a skin biopsy hurt?

The local anaesthetic injection stings for a few seconds; after that the area is numb. Some tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles quickly.

Will it leave a scar?

Any procedure that cuts the skin can leave a mark. Your doctor will discuss what to expect for your particular spot before anything is done.

What does a biopsy cost?

Biopsies and excisions attract a private fee, and your doctor will explain the estimated fee before proceeding. Skin surgery is billed once the pathology result confirms the Medicare item number, about three weeks later. The standard consultation itself is bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders. Current procedure fees are listed on our fees page.

What if the result shows skin cancer?

Your GP will explain exactly what was found, what it means, and the recommended plan, whether that is treatment on site or a referral. You will not be left to work it out alone.

Have a spot that needs an answer?

Start with a spot check or a full skin check at 71 Main Street, Pialba. Consultations are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders.

Book an appointment online Call (07) 4325 4000

This article is general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.

Last reviewed September 2026