Doctors consulting from selected MyClinic locations provide skin lesion excisions, biopsies and other minor procedures where clinically appropriate.
An excision is a minor surgical procedure used to remove a skin lesion or other area of tissue. Your doctor may recommend an excision to investigate a suspicious lesion, remove a troublesome growth, obtain tissue for diagnosis or treat certain skin conditions.
Depending on the individual doctor, the location and nature of the lesion, excision procedures may be suitable for:
Not every skin lesion requires excision. Your doctor will assess the area and discuss the most appropriate treatment with you.
During this appointment, your doctor can examine the lesion, discuss your medical history and medications, explain the procedure and determine whether excision is appropriate.
Depending on the lesion, your doctor may recommend that removed tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
Your doctor will provide wound-care instructions specific to your procedure.
You may need to:
Contact the clinic or seek medical attention if you develop increasing redness, swelling, bleeding, discharge, worsening pain or other concerns following your procedure.
Excision procedures are generally performed under local anaesthetic.
The doctor cleans and numbs the area before carefully removing the lesion. Depending on the size and location of the excision, stitches may be required to close the wound.
A dressing is then applied and you will receive instructions about caring for the wound at home.
The exact procedure will depend on the lesion being treated and your individual circumstances.
Where clinically appropriate, tissue removed during an excision may be sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
Your doctor will advise you how and when your pathology results will be discussed and whether any further treatment or follow-up is required.
Excision procedures may involve an out-of-pocket cost, including at MyClinic locations where standard GP consultations are bulk billed.
Doctors consulting from MyClinic locations practise independently and determine their own clinical services and fees.
The cost of an excision can vary depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, the doctor performing the procedure and whether additional services or consumables are required.
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible procedures where the relevant Medicare requirements are met.
Where possible, information about the anticipated fee will be provided before your procedure. Please ask reception or your consulting doctor if you would like further information about fees.
As with any minor surgical procedure, excision can involve risks including:
The risks vary depending on the procedure, the area being treated and your individual health. Your doctor will discuss relevant risks with you before proceeding.
Usually, yes. A doctor will generally need to assess the lesion first to determine whether excision is appropriate and plan the procedure.
