Vulval biopsy

About a vulval biopsy

The vulva is your external genital organs, including the inner and outer 'lips' and the clitoris.

A vulval biopsy is a small sample of skin which we take from your vulval area. We send it to a laboratory to be examined.

The laboratory checks it to see if there is any abnormality. This helps us to decide if you need treatment.

Why we recommend a vulval biopsy 

We recommend you have a vulval biopsy because you have a problem in your vulval area. This may be pain, itching, an ulcer, a lump, blisters or a rash.

Sometimes it is not possible for us to know exactly what is wrong with the skin just by looking or taking other tests, such as blood tests or swabs. In this situation, a biopsy can give us useful information that helps us to diagnose your problem or suggest suitable treatment.

During the procedure

We will give you some local anaesthetic before we take the biopsy.  

This will sting for a few moments. The anaesthetic means that you will still be able to feel, but are unlikely to feel any discomfort.

We will use 1 or 2 dissolvable stiches to close the area where we took the sample.

The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes.

After the procedure

The local anaesthetic usually wears off after about 30 minutes.

The biopsy site will feel a little sore. If it is uncomfortable, we recommend you take an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

It will take a few days for the biopsy site to heal and the area will feel tender. It may bleed slightly.

It may sting when you pass urine (wee).

We recommend you wear loose clothes for a couple of days, so that you feel comfortable.

Your stitches will take 7 to 10 days to dissolve.

To help with recovery

Follow this advice to reduce the risk of infection and help the biopsy site to heal.

• Have a rest after your biopsy. 
• Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks.

Washing

• Keep the biopsy site clean. 
• You can shower as usual, but do not spend a long time in the bath and do not add bubbles.
• After your shower or bath, gently pat the site dry. Do not rub it.
• Avoid scented skin products until the site has healed.

Exercise

• It is okay to do light exercise after your biopsy.
• Avoid heavy lifting and heavy exercise for a few days or until your biopsy site has fully healed.
• You can swim when the stitches have dissolved and the site has fully healed.

Risks

The following minor risks are associated with a vulval biopsy.

• The biopsy may leave a small scar on your skin.
• There will be some bleeding at the time of the biopsy, but usually we make sure this stops before the procedure is finished. Sometimes the bleeding starts up again after the procedure. If this happens, do the following:
  • Press on the skin for 15 minutes while you lie down.
  • If the bleeding does not stop, get in touch with us (see Contacts below) or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
• The small wound in your skin can cause an infection. If this happens, the biopsy site will feel more and more uncomfortable and hot and it may start to ooze. If this happens, contact your GP who may prescribe antibiotics.

Getting your results

We will send you your results [how?] after 2 to 6 weeks. If you do not receive them after this time, get in touch with us (see Contacts below).