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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA 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 layer of skin (epidermis).
- Punch biopsy. A doctor uses a circular tool to remove a small section of skin including deeper layers (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 the fatty layer of skin.
- Alguire AC, et al. Skin biopsy techniques. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Habif, TP. Skin biopsies. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby, Inc; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100083955-3/727763694/1195/214.html?printing=true. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
- Armstrong CA. Diagnosing skin diseases. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/104262765-3/745234480/1492/1544.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50467-5--cesec31_20046. Accessed Aug. 21, 2008.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 25, 2008.
