Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy removes cells from the surface of your body. A skin biopsy is used most often to diagnose skin conditions, including melanoma and other cancers. The type of skin biopsy you undergo will depend on the type of cancer suspected and the extent of the suspicious cells.

Skin biopsy procedures include:

• Shave biopsy. During a shave biopsy, your health care provider uses a tool similar to a razor to scrape the surface of your skin.
• Punch biopsy. During a punch biopsy, a circular tool is used to remove a small section of your skin's deeper layers.
• Incisional biopsy. During an incisional biopsy, your provider uses a scalpel to remove a small area of skin. Whether you receive stitches to close the biopsy site depends on the amount of skin removed.
• Excisional biopsy. During an excisional biopsy, an entire lump or area of skin that appears suspicious is removed. You'll likely receive stitches to close the biopsy site.

Before the procedure, you'll receive a local anesthetic to numb the biopsy site.