Skin biopsy

Skin biopsy is indicated in various skin disorders and some systemic disorders as well. Following are some indications for skin biopsy;

1. Basal cell carcinoma of the skin
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Skin infections like leishmaniasis

Skin biopsy is not a common investigation as most of the skin disorders are diagnosed clinically. It is a simple and straightforward minor surgical procedure. However, it is important to biopsy a lesion that is most likely to yield diagnostic findings. This decision may require expertise in skin diseases (dermatologists) and knowledge of superficial anatomic structures in selected areas of the body. In this procedure, a small area of skin is anesthetized with 1% lidocaine with or without epinephrine. The skin lesion in question can be excised with a scalpel or removed by punch biopsy. In the latter technique, a punch is pressed against the surface of the skin and rotated with downward pressure until it penetrates to the subcutaneous tissue. The circular biopsy is then lifted with forceps, and the bottom is cut with iris scissors. Biopsy sites may or may not need suture closure, depending on size and location.

type of skin biopsy

1. Shave biopsy
2. Punch biopsy
3. Incisional biopsy
4. Excisional biopsy
5. Curettage biopsy
6. Fine needle aspirate
7. Saucerization biopsy