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
