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Book

Skin Biopsy

Michael L. Ramsey  1 , Elizabeth Conrad  2 , Robert L. Chen  3 , Soheila Rostami  4
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Skin Biopsy

Michael L. Ramsey et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

A skin biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure commonly performed in dermatology practices. Various methods of skin biopsies exist, and multiple factors are considered in choosing the most appropriate biopsy technique for a given situation. Among the most important factors are location, depth, and breadth of sampling. An effort is made to provide the consulting pathologist with an adequate amount of tissue from the site most likely to yield a diagnosis while minimizing disfigurement and preserving the patient’s function as much as possible.

Biopsies are categorized as either incisional, where only a portion of a lesion is sampled, or excisional, where the entire visible lesion is removed. An incisional biopsy can be performed using shave, scissor, curettage, or punch techniques. An excisional biopsy is typically performed with a full-thickness scalpel excision or a deeper oblique (shave or scoop) excision.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Michael Ramsey declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Elizabeth Conrad declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Robert Chen declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Soheila Rostami declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

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