Curettage and cautery are used when the material being removed is softer than the surrounding skin or there is a natural plane to separate the diseased tissue from the normal •
It is therefore best for superficial lesions such as:
• Viral warts
• Seborrheic warts
• Solar keratosis
• Bowen’s disease
• Some forms of skin cancer
SKIN BIOPSY OF THE FOOT AND ANKLE
Just like any other part of your body, the foot and ankle can experience skin changes that may look like freckles, moles, rashes, or other types of skin lesions. While these lesions are typically benign, they can sometimes indicate the presence of skin cancer. Skin cancer in the foot and ankle is uncommon but can occur. Due to its rarity and the infrequent examination of the feet, these lesions often go unnoticed. During a lower extremity physical exam, we frequently observe spots between the toes or on the soles of the feet that the patient was previously unaware of. If a patient is oblivious to a lesion, we cannot determine how long it has been there or whether its appearance has changed. Consequently, a skin biopsy is commonly performed on the foot and ankle to evaluate any unknown skin lesions.
The most common biopsy technique for the foot, including areas around the skin and nails, is the punch biopsy. This procedure involves numbing the skin surrounding the biopsy site with a local anaesthetic, allowing for painless removal of a sample of skin and underlying soft tissue, as well as any involved nail structures, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Depending on the size of the biopsy, the puncture site may be closed with stitches or allowed to heal naturally. Daily dressing changes are typically necessary until the skin heals, which usually takes about 10 to 14 days. Biopsy results are generally available within a week. A biopsy is essential for confirming the diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment plan. In most cases, the results indicate a benign condition that requires no further treatment. However, if the biopsy reveals cancer, particularly in the skin or beneath the nails, prompt treatment could be life-saving.
PUNCH BIOPSY
SKIN TISSUE SURGERY
Surgical podiatry encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions through various surgical techniques. This includes the excision of skin cancers, pre-cancerous moles, moles, cysts, and other skin growths or foreign bodies such as glass, splinters, etc. Mougnir Boumedjane is proficient in a range of methods, such as excisional surgery, electrosurgery, and minimally invasive techniques. He excels in performing skin biopsies, excisions, and other surgical interventions to address both benign and malignant skin issues. In addition to treating health concerns, surgical dermatology aims to achieve the best possible cosmetic results for patients, focusing on minimizing scarring and promoting optimal healing.