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Home / Neurological Care Treatment / Skin Biopsy
Skin Biopsy Services for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing conditions with a biopsy
Skin biopsies are vital for discovering the underlying causes of symptoms and guiding effective treatment.
Small Fiber Neuropathy
Skin biopsy is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for small fiber neuropathy. It allows for quantification of small nerve fibers in the skin, providing a practical confirmatory test for SFN.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Skin biopsies can contribute to earlier detection of neuropathy in diseases with dysfunctional glucose metabolism, such as diabetes mellitus. They help identify nerve fiber loss and damage associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Vasculitic Neuropathy
For vasculitic neuropathy, skin biopsies can demonstrate perivascular infiltrating cells around dermal vessels, providing crucial diagnostic information
Signs you may need a skin biopsy
Unexplained tingling or numbness
If you experience persistent tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in your extremities, especially in a "stocking and glove" distribution, a skin biopsy can help diagnose small fiber neuropathy.
Decreased sensitivity to temperature
Difficulty distinguishing between hot and cold sensations, particularly in your feet or hands, may indicate nerve damage that can be confirmed through a skin biopsy.
Chronic pain without apparent cause
Sores that don’t heal within a few weeks can be alarming and may suggest an underlying issue like skin cancer.
Understanding the skin biopsy procedure
A skin biopsy is a straightforward yet critical procedure designed to diagnose various skin conditions.
First, the area of skin to be biopsied is thoroughly cleaned and then numbed using a local anesthetic to ensure comfort. A small piece of skin is then carefully removed using one of several techniques, depending on the suspected condition. These techniques include shaving layers of skin, punching out a small cylinder of tissue, or excising a larger piece with a scalpel.
After removal, the sample is sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. Throughout the procedure, care is taken to minimize discomfort and ensure the biopsy site heals properly.
Early detection, better outcomes: skin biopsies and neuropathy
A skin biopsy is pivotal in the early detection of neuropathy—increasing the chances of successful treatment and reducing the risk of irreversible nerve damage.
By providing a precise diagnosis, a skin biopsy allows for timely interventions, such as targeted therapies or lifestyle modifications, thereby preventing further progression of nerve damage and associated symptoms.
Early detection and treatment not only increase the likelihood of managing neuropathy effectively but also minimize the potential for severe complications like chronic pain, loss of sensation, or autonomic dysfunction, which can have profound impacts on a patient's quality of life.
Moreover, identifying neuropathy early can prevent the development of secondary issues such as falls, injuries, or infections associated with reduced sensation, underscoring the critical role of skin biopsies in neurological health and overall well-being.
Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation with Neurokin's medical practitioner who will examine your skin and discuss your medical history. This step ensures that a biopsy is necessary and helps determine the most appropriate type of biopsy technique based on your skin condition. We want to understand all of your concerns and to plan the procedure with your health and comfort in mind.
Performing the biopsy
On the day of the biopsy, the targeted area will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. We will then perform one of several biopsy techniques to collect a small skin sample to send to the lab for analysis. The procedure is quick and usually takes only a few minutes.
Analysis and follow-up
After the biopsy, your skin sample is sent to a lab for detailed analysis. Results typically take a few days to a week. Once we receive the results, we'll schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. Our team is committed to providing you with guidance every step of the way.
FAQ about skin biopsy near you
What is a skin biopsy?
A skin biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin for laboratory analysis to diagnose skin conditions, infections, or diseases like cancer.
How long does the biopsy procedure take?
The procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes. The preparation and numbing of the skin will add some time, but most appointments are completed within an hour.
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
You may feel a slight pinch or pressure when the local anesthetic is applied. After that, the procedure is generally painless.
When will I receive my biopsy results?
Results are usually available within 1-2 weeks. We'll schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings.
What qualifies Neurokin to provide such services?
Neurokin’s lead practitioner (Karina Campos) is a board certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. This allows her to offer comprehensive cognitive health treatments to a wide range of patients. Her experience and hands-on knowledge as a nurse practitioner helped her build a unique skillset to help the patients that need it most.
How does Neurokin stand out from other NJ practices?
There are many reasons to choose a smaller, more personal practice for your personalized care. While bigger practices can treat and diagnose, none offer the personal, experience that Karina Campos does with Neurokin. You can depend on your cognitive health services provider to follow up, follow through, and be there with you every step of the way.
How do I pay for this service?
We currently offer self-pay services for the conditions we treat. In the future, we will begin accepting private insurance.
What other conditions do you treat?
In addition to skin biopsies we also offer treatment for several other conditions. These include ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, headaches and migraines, concussions and dizziness, and memory concerns related to dementia.