Skin Biopsy

A skin biopsy removes cells or skin samples from the surface of your body

The sample taken from a skin biopsy is examined to provide information about your medical condition. A doctor uses a skin biopsy to diagnose or rule out certain skin conditions and diseases.

Three main types of skin biopsies are:

• 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 section 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 it's done

A skin biopsy is used to diagnose or rule out skin conditions and diseases. It may also be used to remove skin lesions.

A skin biopsy may be necessary to diagnose or to help treat skin conditions and diseases, including:

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