Why is a skin biopsy performed

Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a cancer of the skin.

What methods are used to obtain a skin biopsy?

Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies are obtained using local anaesthetics. A shave biopsy takes a thin slice and can be used to remove superficial lesions. A punch biopsy takes a core and can be used to remove small lesions and diagnose rashes and other conditions. Excisional biopsies are usually larger and deeper and used to completely remove an abnormal area of skin (lesion) such as a skin cancer.

What happens to the skin sample after the biopsy is removed?

After the biopsy, the skin sample is fixed in special solution and stained for examination. The doctor (usually a dermatologist or pathologist) can then evaluate the appearance of the skin for normal and abnormal condition. Sometimes specialised stains are used looking for antibodies and immune proteins. Initial routine biopsy results can be obtained in 48 hours. Specialised staining techniques can require 2-3 weeks for final results.