Skin biopsy
About this test
A skin biopsy is a procedure to remove cells from the surface of your body so that they can be tested in a lab. A skin biopsy is used most often to diagnose skin conditions. Skin biopsy procedures include: Shave biopsy. A tool like a razor is used to scrape the surface of your skin. It gathers a cell sample from the top layers of the skin. These layers are called the epidermis and the dermis. Stitches usually aren't needed after this procedure. Punch biopsy. A round-tipped cutting tool is used to remove a small core of skin, including deeper layers. The sample might include tissue from layers called the epidermis, the dermis and the top layer of fat under the skin. You may need stitches to close the wound. Excisional biopsy. A scalpel is used to remove an entire lump or an area of irregular skin. The sample of removed tissue might include a border of healthy skin and your skin's deeper layers. You may need stitches to close the wound.
Why it's done
A skin biopsy is used to diagnose or help treat skin conditions and diseases, including: Actinic keratosis. Blistering skin disorders. Skin cancer. Skin tags. Irregular moles or other growths.
Risks and complications
A skin biopsy is usually safe. But unwanted results can occur, including: Bleeding. Bruising. Scarring. Infection. An allergic reaction.
How to prepare
Before the skin biopsy, tell your health care provider if you: Have had reactions to creams or gels applied to your skin. Have had reactions to tape. Have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Have had serious bleeding after a medical procedure. Are taking blood-thinning medicine. Examples include aspirin, aspiring-containing medicine, warfarin (Jantoven) and heparin. Are taking supplements or homeopathic medicine. At times these can cause bleeding when taken with other medicine. Have had skin infections.
What to expect
Depending on the location of the skin biopsy, you may be asked to undress and change into a clean gown. The skin to be biopsied is cleaned and marked to outline the site. You then receive medicine to numb the biopsy site. This is called a local anesthetic. It's usually given by injection with a thin needle. The numbing medicine can cause a burning feeling in the skin for a few seconds. After that, you shouldn't feel any pain during the skin biopsy. To make sure the numbing medicine is working, your health care provider may prick your skin with a needle and ask you if you feel anything. A skin biopsy typically takes about 15 minutes, including: Preparing the skin. Removing the tissue. Closing or bandaging the wound. Getting tips for at-home wound care.
Understanding your results
Your biopsy sample is sent to the lab to be tested for signs of disease. Ask your health care provider when you may get results. It may take a few days or even months, depending on the type of biopsy, the tests being done and the lab's procedures. Your health care provider may ask that you schedule an appointment to discuss the results. You might want to bring someone you trust to this appointment. Having someone with you may help with hearing and understanding the discussion. List questions that you want to ask your health care provider, such as: Based on the results, what are my next steps? What kind of follow-up, if any, should I expect? Is there anything that might have affected or altered the test results? Will I need to repeat the test? If the skin biopsy showed skin cancer, was all of the cancer removed? Will I need more treatment?
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.