Overview

A skin biopsy is a quick and inexpensive outpatient procedure that helps diagnose skin condition or lesion a patient has. Although most are performed by a dermatologist, any doctor who has experience and knowledge of this technique and its directions can safely perform a skin biopsy. There are several methods of doing skin biopsies, and any particular method will depend on the type of lesion, the location of the lesion and the experience of the dermatologist.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a piece of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope. Depending on the size and location of the abnormal area of ​​skin called a skin lesion, the doctor performs a skin biopsy , and the removed tissue is placed in a vial.

Why have a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy may be deemed necessary as part of the diagnostic process. The additional information obtained from the biopsy can help identify diagnostic clues that are invisible to the naked eye.

The doctor uses a skin biopsy to diagnose skin problems and to remove abnormal tissue. Doctors open each part of the skin separately, carefully observing any unusual spots, blemishes, moles or lesions. He then removes all or part of the suspected lesion to be sent to a laboratory for research.

When do you need a skin biopsy?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a skin biopsy if you have a new or changing mole, a rash, an area of scaly or rough skin or an open sore that won’t go away.

What are types of skin biopsy?

Shave biopsy

Here, the portion of the lesion that is above the level of the surrounding skin is shaved off using a blade. Superficial lesions such as seborrheic keratosis can be biopsied in this manner. However, it is better avoided as it does not include deeper tissues.

Punch biopsy

For a punch biopsy, the doctor uses a tool that looks like a tiny round cookie cutter to remove a deeper sample of skin. The doctor rotates the punch biopsy tool on the skin until it cuts through all the layers of the skin. The sample is removed and the edges of the biopsy site are often stitched together.

Incisional biopsy

An incisional biopsy is the removal of a larger and usually deeper ellipse of the skin using a scalpel blade.

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.

Excisional biopsy

An excisional biopsy surgically removes the entire lesion, including all three skin layers. In fact, if the affected area is of a considerable size, a skin flap or graft from another part of the body may be needed to cover the excision and replace the missing skin.

Takeaway

A skin lesion biopsy is a simple medical procedure in which a skin sample is taken and examined in a laboratory. 

If cancer is a problem, or if a known malignant growth (eg, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) is confirmed before more invasive surgery, a skin biopsy is required to assess skin lesions. If the abnormal skin area changes in color, shape, size, or appearance, or does not heal after the injury, a skin biopsy can usually diagnose skin cancer. Early detection of suspicious skin lesions and skin biopsy can help identify skin cancer and lead to early stages.