Biopsy for skin cancer question?

My mother had a biopsy on her toe and nose for skin cancer. It was at 11am and now at 8pm it's still bleeding some. The Dr. Didn't tell us that would happen...is it ok??? What should we do? FYI, the one on her nose is bleeding, the toe one, we're scared to take the bandaid off as it might bleed again. Thanks for any help!

Is your mother on blood thinners or taking aspirin? If so this may be why she is still bleeding.

It is not that unusual for skin biopsies to bleed a little for a day or so. If the bleeding is not profuse then do not worry too much about it - unless there are broken stitches. If there broken stitches then you need to call the dermatologist or his nurse.

Leave the biospy alone for 24 hours even if it is bleeding a little. Then then next time you take a shower carefully remove the original bandage and wash very gently with plain soap and water. Be very gentle drying off. Next place a clean bandaid over the biopsy spot after applying a tiny dab of Polysporin antibiotic (not Neosporin) ointment in the actual biopsy hole. Leave the new bandage alone again for 24 hours then repeat this same routine each day - while always keeping the wound clean and always using sterile technique. Make sure your hands are washed clean with soap before any time you are changing the bandages. If you do this properly the biopsy will heal up just fine.

Sometimes my biopsies will have quite a bit of blood for the first day and a few drops for several days afterward, especially if the biopsy was from somewhere like a toe or anywhere that has friction rubbing on the biopsy area. It may be alarming to you but a little bit of blood loss is not going to be dangerous.

I've had dozens of skin biospies done in the past 15 years. I had 3 more done last week where I still have the stitches in. Even when I was on blood thinners I never had a biopsy that didn't stop bleeding pretty much entirely within 48 hours. Just take good care of the wound and try not to worry too much. The body does a wonderful job of healing itself so as long as you keep the wound clean and follow the instructions the Dr gave you everything will be fine in 48 hours.

take care and good luck

The doctor should have given your mother some instructions about caring for the two biopsy sites, including what to fo if there is bleeding. Keep the bandage on if you can, maybe by putting another strip of tape on top of the bandage in place with enough pressure to stop the bleeding. If your mother has been taking anything with aspirin (which prolongs bleeding) she may have to stop the aspiring for a couple of days. Avoid any rubbing of the toe or nose so as not to disturb the biopsy area. In the morning, if there is any sign of continued bleeding call the doctor for guidance. Try not to leave the biopsy area open to the area or it may get infected. Ask about further care of the two areas. Were there any stitches that might have opened and would need attention?

call your doctor and ask them these questions to be safe, if it is too late to contact your doctor you can call your local emergency room and most likely ask a nurse and they would be able to tell you.

It's normal especially if they removed a mole
As long as it's slowing down she'll be fine...the blood in those areas takes a little longer to clot