Skin Biopsy
Reviewed
Also called: punch biopsy, shave biopsy, excisional biopsy, skin cancer biopsy
A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing.
Specimen: skin tissue sample
Why this test may be ordered
- Persistent rash
- Scaly or rough skin
- Open sores that won't heal
- Blistering skin (possible autoimmune disease)
- Mole or growth with ABCDE signs of melanoma (Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven Color, Diameter > pea, Evolving)
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a skin biopsy.
A provider will clean the site and inject an anesthetic (medicine) so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. After the biopsy, keep the area covered with a bandage until you've healed, or until your stitches come out. If you had stitches, they will be taken out 3-14 days after your procedure.
You may have a little bruising, bleeding, or soreness at the biopsy site. If these symptoms last longer than a few days or they get worse, talk to your provider.
Understanding results
The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for a variety of conditions, including skin cancer.
- Normal: If your results were normal, it means no cancer or skin disease was found. Limitation: The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for a variety of conditions, including skin cancer. Next step: After the biopsy, keep the area covered with a bandage until you've healed, or until your stitches come out.
- Not normal – infection or skin disorder: If your results were not normal, you may be diagnosed with one of the following conditions: A bacterial or fungal infection. A skin disorder such as psoriasis. Limitation: The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for a variety of conditions, including skin cancer. Next step: Then you and your provider can develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
- Basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer: Your results may mean you have one of three types of skin cancers: basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma. Limitation: If you are diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell cancer, the entire cancerous lesion may be removed at the time of the skin biopsy or soon after. Often, no other treatment is needed. Next step: Then you and your provider can develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
- Melanoma: Your results may mean you have one of three types of skin cancers: basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma. Limitation: This is because it is more likely to spread. Next step: If you are diagnosed with melanoma, you will need more tests to see if the cancer has spread.
- A skin biopsy is a procedure, not a laboratory test. The sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.
- Interpretation of results should be done by a healthcare professional. No reference ranges or units are provided for this test.
- The biopsy may not capture the entire lesion if only a sample is taken; an excisional biopsy removes the whole lesion.
What to do next
Then you and your provider can develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
- What type of skin biopsy did I have?
- When will I get my results?
- What do my results mean for my health?
- Do I need any further tests or treatment?
- How should I care for the biopsy site?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.