A penis biopsy is a medical procedure involving the removal of a small tissue sample from the penis. This sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This diagnostic tool helps healthcare providers determine the cause of abnormal changes or suspicious lesions on the penile tissue. It provides specific information to guide further medical decisions and treatment plans.
What a Penis Biopsy Is and Why It Is Done
The procedure aims to identify the underlying cause of penile abnormalities, which may include unusual growths, persistent sores, or changes in skin texture or color.
Healthcare providers recommend a penis biopsy when there is suspicion of malignancy, such as penile cancer or pre-cancerous lesions. It is also performed for unexplained sores that do not heal, chronic inflammatory conditions like lichen sclerosus or lichen planus, or suspected autoimmune blistering disorders. The biopsy helps to confirm or rule out the presence of disease and guides the selection of the most effective treatment.
The Biopsy Procedure
Before the biopsy, patients receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, often administered as an injection at the base of the penis to provide pain relief for several hours. In some cases, especially if discomfort is a significant concern or a larger area needs to be sampled, a general anesthetic may be used, allowing the patient to be asleep during the procedure.
Various techniques obtain the tissue sample. A punch biopsy involves using a small, circular cutting device to remove a cylindrical piece of tissue. An incisional biopsy uses a surgical knife to remove a small portion of the abnormal area, while an excisional biopsy removes the entire suspicious lesion. For larger areas, a wedge resection might be performed, taking a piece of tissue from the affected region close to normal skin.
After the tissue sample is taken, the site is closed with sutures, which are often dissolvable and disappear within two to four weeks. Hemostatic sutures and dressings are applied to control any bleeding. In some instances, a temporary catheter may be inserted.
After the Biopsy
Following the procedure, patients can expect some discomfort, bruising, and swelling at the biopsy site, which subsides within a few days. Mild bleeding is also possible, and the dressing applied after the biopsy should remain in place for 24 to 72 hours. Keeping the biopsy site dry for the first 48 hours is recommended to aid healing.
Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to avoid touching or picking at the stitches to promote proper healing. Patients are advised to refrain from sexual activity for approximately four to six weeks, or until the wound is completely healed, to aid recovery.
Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, discharge, pus, or a fever. Other concerning symptoms include severe pain not relieved by medication or heavy bleeding. These symptoms may occur in a small percentage of cases and require prompt medical attention.
Understanding the Results
A pathologist analyzes the cells and tissue structure to identify any abnormalities, such as the presence of cancer cells, the type of lesion, or signs of inflammation. This detailed analysis provides specific diagnostic information.
The results take several days to a few weeks to become available. Once the pathology report is ready, the healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings with the patient. During this discussion, the clinician will explain the implications of the results, clarify the diagnosis, and outline the next steps, which may include further treatment, monitoring, or additional tests.