OBGYN guides you on a vulvar biopsy in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA

OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA can guide you on what is a vulvar biopsy procedure. Hearing the word biopsy can freak out a lot of people. We’re here to educate everyone on why it isn’t as scary as everyone is making it seem. It’s certainly a very important procedure and one that is often performed in our clinic.

What is a vulvar biopsy

The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s genitalia. A vulvar biopsy is therefore a test that is used to check for vulvar cancer or any other type of skin disease that is affecting a woman’s vulva. During the biopsy, small tissue samples are taken from the areas of the skin that look abnormal. These tissues are then analyzed in a lab for cancer and other types of skin disease. A biopsy is normally a procedure with minimal pain but due to the location of the biopsy being in a sensitive area, this procedure can get quite painful. There is also a slight risk of bleeding or swelling after the procedure. It is, therefore, crucial to consult with our OBGYN in Atlanta GA for a treatment plan that works best for you.

Reasons to get a vulvar biopsy

Hearing the word biopsy causes most patients to assume for the worst. Our minds go instantly to cancer and we fear that we may have it. In reality, a biopsy is done for a lot of other reasons that do not include cancer. A vulvar biopsy may be done if you have patches of skin on your vulva that look abnormal. This includes:

• Areas of skin that are white, or turn white after a special acetic acid solution is applied
• Patches of skin that are red, pink, gray, brown, or bumpy and are causing irritation and discomfort
• A sore that isn’t healing despite trying several methods of treatment and consulting many specialists
• Genital warts that don’t go away and are interfering with everyday routine

What happens during a vulvar biopsy

A vulvar biopsy is a quick procedure and can be done in our OBGYN’s office in Atlanta GA. You may be told to take a regular OTC painkiller medication before the biopsy in order to be more at ease. This can help prevent pain and discomfort during and after the biopsy. This is what happens during a vulvar biopsy:

• The skin in the area is cleaned and numbed with special swabs. Then the area will be injected with a local anesthetic to prevent any pain or discomfort.
• When the area is numb, the OBGYN will take out a small sample of the skin. This is done with a small, sharp tool. Usually, a thin slice of the skin is removed but in some cases, the entire patch of skin may need to be removed.
• If the OBGYN takes a larger piece of skin, the area will then have to be closed with stitches.
• You will be told how to care for the area after the biopsy to help it heal.

Top OBGYN in Alpharetta and Atlanta GA to get a vulvar biopsy

We understand that deciding to get this procedure can be a huge decision to make. If you feel like you need a vulvar biopsy or you’d like to get a consultation to find out your options, contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.