Vulval biopsy is related to women’s gynaecological health, and it is also called a vulvar biopsy. It is a medical test usually used to diagnose various conditions, including infection and vulvar cancer. In this test, medical professionals collect sample tissues using minor surgical incisions from the vulva skin and send those tissues to the laboratory for further testing. Vulval biopsy treatment is an outpatient procedure hence, a patient does not need to stay at hospital for 24 hours. The test is performed by a gynaecologist with the help of a microscope to check what is wrong happening in the valve.

When a woman experiences symptoms such as itching, ulcers, lumps, blisters, or rashes, she may need to undergo a vulvar biopsy to thoroughly examine the vulvar condition. Sometimes, blood tests and swabs fail to identify what is happening in the vulva therefore, it is indispensable to perform vulvar biopsy to diagnose the condition and provide the right treatment to the patient.

Types of Vulva Biopsy

A vulva biopsy can be performed with various methods. The three most common methods are given below:

Punch Biopsy: It is used to remove a small cylindrical piece of tissue from the vulva. This process is accomplished by a small circular tool.
Excisional Biopsy: In this procedure, the doctor removes the whole abnormal area on the vulva.
Shave Biopsy: In this process, the professional will shave the top layer of the vulva tissue to take a sample.

Risks of Vulvar Biopsy

Although vulvar biopsy is a safe and effective method to check or diagnose the condition. However, on uncommon occasions, it poses some potential risks that include:

Bleeding
Scars
Discomfort
Itching
Pain

Estimated Cost of Vulval Biopsy Treatment

Vulvar biopsy cost is estimated to range from 1500 to 3000 INR. However, the test price depends on various factors, which are as follows:

Hospital location
Hospital Type
Surgeon expertise
City type
Complexity of the case

Vulval Biopsy Surgery Procedure

The biopsy is carried out through following steps:

Preparation: Initially, the vulvar part is cleaned with the help of certain medical gels. After that patient is given local anaesthesia to numb the biopsy site and to ensure the patient feels minimal pain during the procedure.
Sample Collection: When anaesthesia is done a tiny portion of the abnormal skin tissue is collected with help of scalpel, punch tool or scissors.
Wound Care: Once the sample is collected the area would be closed using minimal stitches depending on the size of the biopsy site.
Completion: After the completion of the biopsy the collected samples are sent to a laboratory for examination, and the patient will be asked to wait for a few days to get the result. The procedure generally takes 15 to 30 minutes. However, it totally depends on the complexity of the case.

Healing Process After Vulval Biopsy

The vulvar biopsy aftercare usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. The important factors to consider during the healing process are:

Rest and Care: Avoid performing high-intensity activities that can put pressure on your vulva, and rest as much as possible.
Wound Care: Keep the biopsy site clean and dry and follow all guidelines that are given by the consulted doctor. Use warm water and mild soap for cleaning the vulva.
Avoid Irritants: Do not use harsh soaps or any other products. These irritants can be harmful for your vulvar skin.
Avoid Sexual Activity: Stay away from sexual activity until the biopsy area is completely healed to prevent discomfort or infection.

Signs of Infection a Patient Might Experience After Vulval Biopsy

After vulvar biopsy, infection is rare however, it is significant to notice signs of infection after a vulvar biopsy. Some signs and symptoms of infection include:

Mild to Moderate Pain: Persistent and worsening pain experienced at the biopsy site is the key sign of infection that one should not ignore.
Swelling and Redness: Extreme redness and swelling around the vulva may indicate infection.
Unusual Discharge: Yellow-green or foul-smelling discharge from the biopsy site is also a big sign of infection.
Fever and Chills: After vulvar biopsy, if you are experiencing fever and chills then immediately contact your consulting doctor to prevent infection and complications.