Skin Biopsy
Biopsy is a sampling of tissue that is sent to a pathologist for examination under the microscope. Skin biopsies are very helpful in diagnosis of skin growths and are critical in situations where a skin cancer is suspected. There are several common types of skin biopsies but the two most common types are:
- Shave Biopsy
- Punch Biopsy
Shave Biopsy
The shave biopsy procedure involves injection a small amount of numbing medication in the skin and using a scalpel to shave off a portion of the tumor. The biopsy site is typically covered with Vaseline or antibiotic ointment and a band-aid. Typically 4-5 days are needed to process and examine the removed tissue and to make a diagnosis.
Punch Biopsy
During a punch biopsy, after numbing the skin, a small sharp circular cylinder is used to get a "core" sample of skin. A small stitch is often used to close the hole. Because knowing the thickness and depth of a melanoma is very important, the punch biopsy technique is typically performed for a suspected melanoma or dysplastic mole.
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