No clinics available
At Medijump, we're making medical easy. You can search, compare, discuss, and book your medical all in one place. We open the door to the best medical providers worldwide, saving you time and energy along the way, and it's all for FREE, no hidden fees, and no price markups guaranteed. So what are you waiting for?
A skin biopsy is a procedure in which cells or skin samples are removed from the surface of the body to be tested. The sample taken from a skin biopsy is sent to a laboratory and examined by a pathologist under a microscope. By looking at the sample, the pathologist can diagnose or rule out skin cancer. In some cases, it can also be used to remove skin lesions.
A skin biopsy is needed to diagnose or to help treat skin conditions and diseases, including skin infection, warts, actinic keratosis, skin tags, suspicious moles or other growths, blistering skin disorders (such as bullous pemphigoid), inflammatory skin conditions (such dermatitis and psoriasis), and skin cancers (including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma).
Before the procedure, your doctor cleans the area of the skin to be biopsied. Your skin may be marked to outline the biopsy area. You will then be given a local anaesthetic to numb the biopsy site.
How your doctor performs the procedure depends on the type of biopsy.
Shave biopsy – during this type of biopsy, your doctor uses a sharp tool, scalpel or double-edged razor to remove a small section of the top layers of your skin (epidermis and a portion of the dermis).
Punch biopsy – your doctor uses a circular instrument called a punch in order to remove a small section of your skin, including the deeper layers (epidermis, dermis, as well as superficial fat).
Excisional biopsy – your doctor uses a small scalpel in order to remove an area of abnormal skin, which includes a portion of normal skin down to the fatty layer of skin. This type of biopsy can also be done to remove an entire lump, usually smaller lesions.
Incisional biopsy – a scalpel is used to remove a small sample of large lesions.
While a shave biopsy usually does not need stitches, punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, and incisional biopsy usually require stitches to close the wound as they involve cutting into the uppermost layer of fat underneath the skin.
A skin biopsy usually takes around 15 minutes to complete. It is an outpatient procedure, so you can leave the hospital on the same day as your skin biopsy. However, since the results are available within several days or weeks, you need to stay in Croatia for at least 7 days following your biopsy. Once the result is available, you will need to attend a follow-up visit to discuss the results of the test with your doctor.
In general, you should rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day and go back to your normal activities the day after. However, you need to take it easy and avoid vigorous activities for a few days to avoid complications. How long it takes your biopsy site to heal depends upon the depth and size of the biopsy, which may take about 2 to 3 weeks.
Following the biopsy, your doctor will give you aftercare instructions. Follow the instructions carefully for a quick and smooth recovery. You may experience some soreness on or around the biopsy site for a few days, but you can take Tylenol to relieve any discomfort. If you have stitches, make sure to keep the area clean. Try not to do any activities that might stretch the skin as it could enlarge the scar and cause the wound to bleed.
A skin biopsy is a safe and accurate method to diagnose skin conditions and diseases. The accuracy of a shave biopsy is 97%, while a punch biopsy is shown to be 85% accurate. The result of a skin biopsy is highly dependent on the quality of the biopsy submitted. It is possible to miss the diagnosis of a skin tumour.
The result of your skin biopsy will include a diagnosis and a description of the skin condition. If the sample is found to be cancerous, the description will include information about how quickly the cancer cells are dividing, the thickness and margins of the tumour, the presence of tiny tumours near the main tumour, as well as invasion of the tumour into a nerve, blood vessel, or lymph vessel.
While a skin biopsy is a generally safe procedure, complications can still occur. These include bleeding, bruising, infection, scarring, and allergic reaction to the anaesthesia.
A skin biopsy is needed to diagnose and treat skin conditions and diseases. There are currently no other alternatives to diagnose skin cancer and other serious skin conditions.
Before a skin biopsy, your doctor may not know for sure the skin condition or disease you have. After the biopsy, your doctor will be able to diagnose or rule out skin cancer. This allows them to help create a treatment plan for you. If your doctor removed an entire lesion, then the biopsy may have also cured cancer.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
Enquire Now
Despite its relatively small size, Croatia presents a striking geographical diversity. It undoubtedly has a unique charm for those indulging in fantasies of an idyllic beach holiday. Being home to a vast stretch of seafront that spans thousands of miles and an intriguing archipelago with hundreds of islands, Croatia upholds a significant appeal for lovers of sun, sand, and surf.
Beyond its appealing coastlines, Croatia encompasses much more in its terrains. The expanse of the country is dotted with rugged, dramatic mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop to ancient towns that are enclosed within historical walls. The country is rich in untouched national parks that are truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
You also get a glimpse of regal history through majestic castles that mark the Croatian landscape. The icing on the cake is its fantastic cuisine that adds a flavorful dimension to one's experiences. Last but not least, the impressive Roman ruins scattered across the country are a testament to its astonishing historical heritage, enticing history buffs worldwide to explore Croatia.
Although Croatia is a newcomer to the medical tourism sector, the demand for medical services in the country by foreign patients is increasing. Its strong growth is largely driven by the high cost of private care and long waiting times in public healthcare in countries such as the UK and the US. Croatia is known to have affordable, top-quality treatments performed by highly qualified medical professionals. Also, medical centers in the country have modern equipment, friendly staff, and exceptional services.
Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city that boasts a blend of verdant parks, unconventional art galleries, and enticing museums. Even though the city pulsates with modern energy, its scenery stands distinguished by an array of neo-baroque and art deco buildings that impart a unique architectural charm.
The vibrant city of Zagreb brims with an eclectic mix of attractions that can appeal to a wide range of tastes and interests. One such unique point of interest is the Museum of Broken Relationships. This peculiar museum offers an offbeat exploration into the vestiges of love that has ended, providing a distinctively intimate glimpse into personal stories of heartbreak.
Another notable site that significantly attracts visitors is the serene Mirogoj. Not just an ordinary cemetery, Mirogoj stands out as one of the finest architectural gems in Croatia, offering a peaceful retreat within the lively cityscape. Balancing modern dynamics with a deep-rooted cultural heritage, Zagreb indeed offers engaging facets for every type of traveler.
The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, standing as a symbol of the country’s rich artistic history, is a must-visit for art aficionados. Further, the bustling Dolac Market is the city's epicentre for fresh produce where locals and tourists alike converge. Rounding off the list is the Funicular Railway, another essential experience that offers a charming way to take in Zagreb's panoramic views.
Those who want to enjoy Croatian’s famous beaches and explore ancient monuments should visit Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this city has a giant walled Old Town, stunning mountains, and idyllic beaches.
Croatia's summer season, extending from July to August, is characterized by lovely warm weather and dry conditions, with a generous sprinkling of sunshine across most days. Transition seasons such as spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) also offer a fairly warm and agreeable climate, making them pleasant times to visit. However, the spring season can sometimes bring increased rainfall.
On the other hand, winters in Croatia, particularly in January, can dip into colder temperatures. This chill factor is more pronounced in areas of higher elevations, where it's common to witness snowy landscapes. Each season in Croatia brings with it a distinctive climate and charm, shaping the country's scenic beauty in different ways throughout the year.
As the calendar flips over to the cooler months, the Croatian landscape transitions from sun-kissed beaches to frost-laden terrains, especially in the elevated regions of the country. Here, it is not unusual to see snowfall, adding a whole new dimension to Croatia's captivating beauty. Still, regardless of the weather, Croatia retains its charm, offering visitors an array of unique experiences all year round. The country's seasonal moods only add to its diverse appeal, ensuring that there's always something beautiful to see or experience, making Croatia a truly year-round destination.
Zagreb Airport claims the title of being the largest and most frequented international airport in Croatia. This bustling transport hub is where the majority of global explorers set foot in the country.
The airport operates a host of both regular and seasonal air services that connect Zagreb to numerous metropolises worldwide. Notable among these are Paris, Toronto, London, Barcelona, Dubai, and Seoul, further emphasising Zagreb Airport's significance in global travel.
There are good transport options in Croatia. Domestic flights are the fastest option to get around, though they can be a bit expensive. The bus network is run by a lot of different companies and is generally comfortable.
The Croatian Railways has a reasonably efficient service and is cheaper than buses, but they are slower and less frequent. There is a large network of catamarans and car ferries. In major cities, the main form of transport is buses. Taxis are available and are expensive.
EU nationals, Canadian, Australian, British, and US nationals do not need to apply for a visa to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days. While Croatia is not yet a member of the Schengen area, holders of Schengen visas to enter the country without having to apply for an additional visa.
Tips for applying for a tourist visa to Croatia: