Minor Procedure
Cryotherapy
If cryotherapy is the best course of action your clinician will discuss this with you in advance of the procedure.
Cryotherapy is the application of extreme cold (from liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such as warts, skin tags, solar keratoses and superficial skin cancers.
The procedure is relatively quick and can sometimes be performed on the same day as your initial appointment. Some lesions such as warts may require repeat treatments.
Cryotherapy is a highly effective treatment. Some lesions may require repeat treatments. Cryotherapy is not suitable for all skin types, however you will be given advice at your appointment.
Biopsy
If a biopsy is the best course of action your clinician will discuss this with you in advance of the procedure. An appointment will be booked for you to attend our Minor Procedure Clinic.
Skin biopsies are performed to help with the diagnosis of your skin condition. Sometimes, different skin conditions can look similar to the naked eye so additional information is required. This is obtained by looking at the structure of the skin under the microscope after the cells have been stained with special coloured dyes.
There are two situations in which this usually occurs:
- To distinguish between different types of rashes or skin lesions. Your clinician may be considering a number of possible diagnoses, and the skin biopsy provides additional information in this process.
- The clinician suspects you have a skin cancer. A biopsy is taken to confirm that the skin cancer is present. The biopsy may also give information on the type of skin cancer, which may determine the best treatment.
Mayflower Healthcare Alliance value equality of access to our information and services. To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Information Centre of any special requirements, for example; braille, large print or an interpreter or chaperone for your appointment.
Cancelling an Appointment:
If you have to cancel an appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that your appointment can be given to someone else. Please contact us or email.