Health Encyclopedia

Skin lesion biopsy

Definition

A skin lesion biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin to diagnose or rule out an illness.

Alternative Names

Punch biopsy; Shave biopsy; Skin biopsy; Biopsy - skin

How the test is performed

There are several ways to do a skin biopsy. Most procedures can be easily done in outpatient medical offices or your doctor's office.

Which procedure you have depends on several factors, including the location, size, and type of lesion. You will receive some type of numbing medicine (anesthetic) before any type of skin biopsy.

Types of skin biopsies include:

Shave biopsy
Punch biopsy
Excisional biopsy

The shave biopsy is the least invasive of all three techniques. Your doctor will remove the outermost layers of skin. You will not need stitches.

Punch biopsies are most often used for deeper skin lesions. Your doctor removes a small round piece of skin (usually the size of a pencil eraser) using a sharp, hollow instrument. If a large sample is taken, the area may be closed with stitches.

An excisional biopsy is done to remove the entire lesion. A numbing medicine is injected into the area. Then the entire lump, spot, or sore is removed, going as deep as necessary to get the entire area. The area is closed with stitches. Pressure is applied to the area to stop any bleeding. If a large area is biopsied, a skin graft or flap of normal skin may be used to replace the skin that was removed.

How to prepare for the test

Tell your health care provider:

About the medications you are taking (including vitamins and supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter preparations)
If you have any allergies
If you have bleeding problems
If you are pregnant

How the test will feel

There is a brief prick and sting as the anesthetic is injected. Afterward, the area may be tender.

Why the test is performed

Your doctor may order a skin biopsy if you have signs or symptoms of skin cancer, benign growths, chronic bacterial and fungal skin infections, or other skin conditions.

Normal Values

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about what your specific test results mean.

What abnormal results mean

The test may reveal skin cancers or benign (noncancerous) conditions. Bacteria and fungi can be identified. The test may also reveal some inflammatory diseases of the skin. Once the diagnosis is confirmed with the biopsy, a treatment plan is usually started.

What the risks are

Risks may include:

Infection
Scar (keloids)

You will bleed slightly during the procedure. Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding problems.

Special considerations

Fluid-filled lesions may be examined by skin lesion aspiration instead of skin lesion biopsy.

Review Date:2/5/2008
Reviewed By:Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.