Services

BIOPSY AND C+E

Skin biopsy and C+E (curettage and electrodesiccation) procedures provide essential diagnostic and treatment services designed to accurately assess and address suspicious skin lesions and certain skin cancers. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, our expert dermatology team performs comprehensive skin biopsies and curettage with electrodesiccation treatments to ensure proper diagnosis and effective care for various skin conditions.

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What Are Skin Biopsy and C+E Procedures?

A skin biopsy is a procedure our dermatologists perform when they need to remove skin cell samples to send to the lab for testing.This allows dermatopathologists to examine the cells under a microscope for signs of specific skin conditions. In some cases, the biopsy also involves removing unhealthy or abnormal tissue as part of the treatment. If you have suspicious moles, unusual growths or rashes, or concerning skin changes, a biopsy may provide the definitive diagnosis you need for proper treatment.

Sometimes, a C+E (curettage + electrodesiccation) procedure, also known as a “scrape and burn” procedure, may be recommended to treat certain types of non-invasive skin cancers if detected. Your dermatologist will scrape away the cancerous tissue and use an electrical current to dry out and coagulate the tissue.

Common conditions that biopsies help diagnose and treat include:

Skin cancer (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma)
Suspicious moles or growths
Unusual skin lesions
Inflammatory skin conditions
Precancerous conditions
Atypical pigmented lesions

Both procedures provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for various skin health concerns.

How Do Biopsy and C+E Procedures Work?

During your visit, we will walk you through our assessment of your skin issue and all the detailed steps of how testing and diagnosis will proceed. We provide local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and make you comfortable during treatment. The numbing medication comes through a tiny needle into the targeted area to ensure effective numbness down through the inner layers of skin and into fatty tissue. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. From preparation time through dressing the wound, a biopsy usually takes less than 15 minutes. C+E procedures involve scraping away cancerous tissue and using electrical current to treat the area effectively. Our Danville patients appreciate the quick, comfortable procedures and comprehensive care approach.

What Types of Procedures Do We Perform?

We perform three main types of skin biopsy depending on your unique skin condition:

Shave biopsy (removes surface layers)
Punch biopsy (removes deeper tissue samples)
Excisional biopsy (removes entire lesion)

C+E procedures effectively treat:

Certain non-invasive forms of basal cell cancer
Superficial types of squamous cell cancer
Thin, small cancers with well-defined borders
Precancerous lesions requiring removal

Our team selects the most appropriate procedure based on the location, size, and characteristics of your skin condition.

Who Is a Good Candidate for These Procedures?

Ideal candidates for skin biopsy and C+E procedures include individuals who:

Have suspicious moles or skin growths
Notice changes in existing moles or lesions
Have been diagnosed with certain skin cancers
Require a definitive diagnosis of skin conditions
Need removal of precancerous or abnormal tissue
Want an accurate assessment of concerning skin changes

If you’re in the Danville area and have concerning skin changes, our expert dermatologists can determine if a biopsy or C+E procedure suits your diagnostic or treatment needs during a comprehensive skin examination.

Patients taking certain medications or with specific medical conditions may require special considerations before procedures.

Why Board-Certified Dermatologist Expertise Matters

Skin biopsy and C+E procedures require precise technique, proper site selection, and thorough understanding of skin pathology to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants have extensive experience in skin cancer detection, biopsy techniques, and treatment procedures. We provide comprehensive care from initial assessment through final treatment and follow-up.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your visit, we will tell you everything you need to know regarding preparation, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for the area after we complete your treatment. How long results take to return will depend on what type of skin conditions we test for. Typically, results come back within several days, and in some unique cases, may take a bit longer. Our team stays here for you every step of the way when assessing, diagnosing, and treating any type of skin condition you may experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biopsy and C+E

How long do biopsy procedures take?

From preparation time through dressing the wound, a biopsy usually takes less than 15 minutes. These procedures are relatively quick and simple.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

We provide a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area completely. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure.

How long does it take to get biopsy results?

Results typically take 1-2 weeks, depending on what type of skin conditions we test for. In some unique cases, results may take a bit longer.

What is the difference between a biopsy and C+E?

A biopsy removes tissue samples for laboratory testing and diagnosis. C+E treats certain diagnosed skin cancers by scraping away cancerous tissue and using electrical current to coagulate the area.

How should I care for the area after treatment?

We will send you home with detailed instructions on how to care for the treatment area afterward. Proper wound care helps ensure optimal healing.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900

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