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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffA 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
References
- Alguire PC, et al. Skin biopsy techniques. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
- Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
- Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 14, 2013.
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