Women’s OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA: and a vulvar biopsy

A women’s OBGYN is available to discuss the importance of a vulvar biopsy

A women’s OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA will perform a vulvar biopsy by taking tissue samples for the vagina or vulva. These samples are then sent to a pathologist who looks for abnormal cells. This will help you and your doctor to decide on the best treatment if anything is found.

Suppose you feel as if you have a problem in your vulval area. This can be itching or pain, a lump or ulcer, or rash, or a blister. Sometimes, it isn’t possible to precisely know what is going on with the skin just by looking or other tests such as swabs or blood tests. A biopsy can give you some helpful information to help your doctor make a diagnosis if this is the case.

Why is a vulvar biopsy done?

A vulvar biopsy is necessary if you have patches of skin that appear abnormal, such as:

Areas of your skin are white or turn white after a vinegar-like solution is placed on them.
Patches of skin that are pink, red, brown, gray, or bumpy.
A sore that won’t heal.
A growth or lump on your vulva.
Genital warts that won’t go away.

Are there any risks?

There are some minor risks from this procedure. The biopsy may leave a scar on your skin. There might also be some bleeding during the biopsy, but your doctor will do what they can to stop this from happening before you’re finished. Sometimes the bleeding might start again later on during the day. If this happens, you can press on your skin with a towel or piece of cotton for approximately 15 minutes while you are lying down and resting. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should get in touch with your doctor or your local hospital.

The small wound that can occur during the biopsy can allow an infection to come into your body. If this happens, the biopsy site will feel hot and uncomfortable as the days go on, and it may start to ooze. You should contact your doctor immediately if this happens because you may need some antibiotic treatment.

How a women’s OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA, performs a vulvar biopsy

A women’s OBGYN can quickly perform a vulvar biopsy procedure in their office. You may be instructed to take some over-the-counter pain medication before your appointment, which can help prevent any pain during or after the biopsy. This is what your procedure may look like:

The skin in the area where the biopsy is being performed will be cleaned with special swabs. Your doctor may put some medicine on your skin to help numb the area. Then a tiny needle is used to inject some medicine into the area to help prevent further pain during the procedure.

Your doctor may use a tool called a colposcope to perform the biopsy. This tool has a magnifying lens to help your doctor see even the most minor changed areas of your skin. This scope stays outside of your body.

When the area has become numb, your doctor will remove a small sample of your skin. This is done with a sharp tool. In some cases, an entire patch of changed skin is released. Your doctor will inform you about how much skin will be taken.

If your doctor removes a larger piece of skin, stitches will be used to close the area.

Your doctor will then give you instructions on how to take care of the area when the biopsy is completed to help the area heal.