Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy is a procedure to remove cells or skin samples from your body for laboratory examination. A doctor uses a skin biopsy to diagnose skin conditions and remove abnormal tissue.

The three main types of skin biopsy:

• Shave biopsy– A doctor uses a tool similar to a razor to remove a small section of the top layers of skin (epidermis and a portion of the dermis).
• Punch biopsy-A doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small core of skin, including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis and superficial fat).
• Excisional biopsy– A doctor uses a small knife (scalpel) to remove an entire lump or an area of abnormal skin, including a portion of normal skin down to or through the fatty layer of skin

Why are skin biopsies done?

A skin biopsy is used to diagnose or help treat skin conditions and diseases, including:

• Actinic keratosis
• Bullous pemphigoid and other blistering skin disorders
• Inflammatory skin conditions
• Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma
• Skin infection, occasionally
• Skin tags
• Suspicious moles or other growths
• Warts