(Skin Lesion Biopsy; Shave Biopsy; Punch Biopsy; Excision Biopsy)
Definition
Definition
A skin biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of abnormal skin is removed for testing. There are 3 main types of skin biopsies:
- Shave biopsy—outer part of affected area is removed
- Punch biopsy—a small cylinder of skin is removed using a punch tool
- Excisional biopsy—an entire area of abnormal skin is removed
Punch BiopsyCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
A skin biopsy is used to test an area of abnormal skin. If possible, the entire area will be removed during the biopsy. A skin biopsy may be done to diagnose:
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
- Inflammatory skin disorders, such as psoriasis
- Cancer or benign skin growths
Skin biopsy may also be done to:
- Make sure a tumor was completely removed—by testing remaining skin
- Monitor the effect of a treatment
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Complications are rare. However, no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a skin biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Smoking
- Immunosuppression
- Bleeding disorders
- Circulatory problems
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
No special preparation is needed for this procedure.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia may be used. It will numb the area being treated.
Description of the Procedure
The involved area will be prepared. The skin will be cleaned. Medication will be applied to the skin or injected to numb the area. The exact steps will depend on the type of biopsy:
- Shave biopsy—A thin slice of the skin will be removed. It is done with a special razor that shaves off a piece of skin.
- Punch biopsy—A special tool is used. The tip of the tool is pushed into your skin. As it is pushed down, the tool will be rotated into the skin. A circular sample of skin will then be cut free. This biopsy provides a sample from all of the layers of the skin. Stitches may be needed to close the hole.
- Excision biopsy—The entire area of abnormal skin will be removed with a scalpel. This biopsy will make a larger and deeper hole in the skin. Stitches will be placed to close the hole left in the skin.
After the procedure, a clean dressing will be placed over the area.
How Long Will It Take?
5-20 minutes
Will It Hurt?
There may be some pain and discomfort after the procedure. Medication may be advised to reduce discomfort. .
Post-procedure Care
Keep the biopsy area clean and dry. Keep it covered with a sterile bandage for 1-2 days. Stitches will be left in the skin for 3-14 days, depending on where they are located. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results of the biopsy.
Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water. Pat the wound dry after you have washed it with a mild soap.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given
- Any new symptoms
In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
RESOURCES:
National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Cancer Care Ontario http://www.cancercare.on.ca
References:
Skin biopsy. Nemours Kidshealth website. Available at:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/skin_biopsy.html
Updated July 2012. Accessed February 25, 2015.
Skin biopsy. DermNet NZ website. Available at:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/procedures/biopsy.html
Updated December 13, 2014. Accessed February 25, 2015.
6/3/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last Updated: 6/24/2013