Punch Biopsy
Definition
A punch biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small, cylindrical sample of tissue is removed from the skin or other body part using a specialized instrument called a biopsy punch. This tissue sample is then examined under a microscope to diagnose various skin conditions, infections, or diseases.
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Dermatologic Surgery
When skin conditions must be treated with surgery, we offer patients the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art surgical techniques available, including Mohs Surgery for recurrent or high-risk skin cancers. We treat skin diseases ranging from the most common conditions, to the most complicated or rare skin cancers. Our team includes physicians, registered nurses, and other clinicians who collaborate to provide compassionate care to our patients. Our team also works closely with specialists in other departments, including plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, head and neck surgeons, and radiation cancer experts, allowing patients to get the full benefit of a multidisciplinary approach to a range of skin conditions.Laboratory Medicine
At Laboratory Medicine, we study the molecular and cellular components of blood and other body fluids. This work is crucial to diagnosing and managing illness and understanding the mechanisms and origins of disease.Our physicians, known as clinical pathologists, provide consultations to other doctors regarding optimal laboratory diagnostic approaches and the interpretation of complex laboratory tests. Our team includes pathologists, scientists, phlebotomists, medical technicians, technologists, and others who perform important support functions for our state-of-the-art laboratory. We are available every day, 24 hours a day, for physicians. We perform approximately 10 million tests each year, and also provide specialized high-tech testing to other hospitals in the Yale New Haven Health System and institutions throughout New England, and as far away as Puerto Rico. We also operate multiple satellite facilities and patient service centers located throughout the state. We ensure that every test we offer—at every location—is accurate and reliable. When physicians request to have patients’ blood drawn, here is what happens: Collection: A doctor, nurse, technician, or phlebotomist will draw the patient’s blood. Several tubes may be needed for different types of tests. Depending on what illness the patient might have, his or her doctor may want to obtain a urine sample, throat swab, or other sample. After the sample is collected, the container is labeled with the patient’s name and other information. The sample is received and processed by the Laboratory, and testing begins: Chemistry Testing Blood and other bodily fluids are tested for chemicals, drugs, and substances that indicate disease. We check cholesterol and other tests for risk of heart disease, glucose to monitor diabetes, or thyroxin to monitor the thyroid gland. Hematology Testing We analyze the amount and function of blood cells and plasma. Examples include the Complete Blood Count (CBC) that tells the doctor how many cells of each type are in the patient’s blood, and the prothrombin time (PT) to measure the time it takes for the blood to clot. Microbiology Testing We test a variety of specimen samples for infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. We often do urine cultures for urinary tract infections. Virology Testing We test for viral infections. This includes rapid tests for respiratory viruses such as influenza, molecular tests for noroviruses, and antibody tests for HIV. Immunology/Molecular Diagnostics Some tests are used to determine whether the immune system is functioning properly. State-of-the-art analysis of DNA and RNA is used to test for a variety of diseases and for the risk of developing certain diseases. Other specialized tests include the ANA, used to screen for autoimmune disease, and Factor V Leiden genotyping for patients with blood clots. Tumor Profiling Laboratory This lab analyzes tumor DNA to predict the sensitivity or resistance of tumors to aLaser Surgery Program
Through laser surgery and other cutting-edge techniques, our board-certified dermatologists can help brighten and rejuvenate our patients’ skin. Our range of expertise includes removal of benign growths such as skin tags and cysts; laser treatment of facial telangiectasias; and the precise placement of fillers to enhance appearance. Laser Treatments For the treatment of broken capillaries on the face due to sun damage, aging, and rosacea, we use a pulsed dye laser to specifically target and destroy these blood vessels. This laser is also used for the treatment of port-wine stains and hemangiomas. For unwanted hair growth, we offer two types of lasers that work either in light or dark skin tones with medium- to dark-colored hair. Over a series of treatments, depending on the site, a significant reduction in hair growth is achieved. Fillers There are a variety of injectable materials that can be placed in the skin to replace volume loss that leads to an aged appearance, or to fill in crevices caused by wrinkles. Common places to use fillers include the lips, smile lines, smoker’s lines, and in the cheeks. We currently offer a range of hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Perlane®, which each lasts up to six months. More permanent fillers, such as Sculptra™ and Radiesse®, are also available. Prior to injection of any filler, we perform a cosmetic consultation to assess patients’ expectations and areas of concern to provide the best correction possible. Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) Our physicians are experts in facial anatomy, and perform Botulinum Toxin A injections to minimize the appearance of wrinkles that naturally occur through facial expression. The result is a softening of creases and an overall more “relaxed” appearance. These injections can also be placed on the neck and used to decrease excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, or feet.