Alternate Names: Punch biopsy; Shave biopsy; Skin biopsy; Biopsy - skin

How Performed: There are 3 methods for obtaining the skin sample. The test is usually done at the health care provider’s office. In a shave biopsy, the outer part of the suspect skin area is removed. A local anesthetic is injected. Then a sharp scalpel is used to cut off a growth protruding from the normal skin.

In a punch biopsy, a small cylinder of skin is removed. A local anesthetic is injected. The skin around the biopsy site is pulled tight and a punch (a hollow instrument) is firmly introduced into the skin and rotated to obtain a sample; then the punch is removed. If a large sample is taken, the area may be closed with stitches.

In an excision biopsy, the entire suspect area is removed. A local anesthetic is injected. Then the entire lump, spot, or sore is removed, going as deep as necessary to get the entire area. The incision is then closed with stitches. Bleeding is controlled by pressure. If a large area is biopsied, a skin graft or flap of normal skin may be used to cover it.

How To Prepare:

You must sign a consent form. Also, inform the doctor of any allergies to medication, which medications you are taking, if you have bleeding problems, or if you are pregnant.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child’s age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child’s age:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

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

Risks: There is a chance of infection. If you tend to form large scars (keloids) in response to a skin injury, there is a fair chance one will form over the biopsy area. You may lose a very small amount of blood during the procedure.

Why Performed: The test is used to identify cancers and benign growths, to help diagnose chronic bacterial and fungal skin infections, and to identify other skin conditions.

Normal Values:

Abnormal Results: 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.

Cost:

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