Skin Biopsies & Excisions

skin check Hervey Bay GP doctor custom built surgery room

 

Skin Biopsies & Excisions

Accurately diagnosing skin cancer and determining the best course of treatment often requires a skin biopsy or excision, a minor surgical procedure performed by a trained GP at Main Street Medical Centre & Skin Clinic.

This quick and simple procedure (typically completed within 30 minutes) is performed under local anaesthetic (a numbing injection) in our comfortable, well-equipped clinical treatment room with Registered Nurse support.

 

What to Expect

Before the procedure, your GP will discuss:

  • The type of procedure required based on the size, type, and location of the lesion
  • Post-operative care and recovery time
  • Expected outcomes and next steps based on pathology results
  • Referral to a Plastic Surgeon if the lesion is in a cosmetically sensitive area (such as the face)

 

Types of Biopsies & Excisions

Depending on the characteristics of the suspected skin cancer, one of the following techniques may be used:

  • Shave biopsy – Removes a superficial layer of skin
  • Punch biopsy – Extracts a deeper sample using a circular blade
  • Excisional biopsy – Removes the entire lesion for testing
  • Wide ellipse excision – Removes both the lesion and surrounding healthy tissue
  • Curettage and cautery – Scrapes off the lesion and seals the area with heat

 

Pathology & Results

Following the procedure, the biopsy sample is sent for histology examination, where a pathologist determines if the lesion is:

  • ✅ Non-malignant (benign)
  • ✅ Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
  • ✅ Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
  • ✅ Melanoma
  • ✅ Other skin conditions

Results are typically available within 5 business days, and you will be notified by either your GP or our nurse. If further treatment is needed, your doctor will discuss the next steps, which may include an additional procedure at our clinic or a referral to a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon.

 

Booking & Fees

Your GP will advise you on the time required for the procedure, and bookings can be made in person or over the phone to ensure treatment room availability.

 

💳 Payment & Medicare Rebate:

  • Full payment is required on the day of the procedure.
  • Out-of-pocket cost is approximately $150 after your Medicare rebate.
  • Our receptionists can provide more details on fees and rebates.

 

📞 Book your skin procedure today! Call 07 4325 4000 or visit us at Main Street Medical Centre & Skin Clinic.