Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy is the removal of a small sample of skin for examination. Histology and other laboratory methods can identify disease or characterize tissue changes.

Punch biopsy: A biopsy method that removes a cylindrical core of skin using a circular blade. Its core can include the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes subcutaneous tissue.
Melanoma: A malignant tumor arising from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin and other tissues. Biopsy can establish diagnosis and provide features used to assess tumor depth.
Histopathology: The microscopic study of diseased tissue. It is the principal discipline used to interpret many skin biopsy samples.
Dermoscopy: A noninvasive examination of skin using magnification and specialized illumination. It can assess visible patterns but does not provide tissue for microscopic analysis.
Pathology report: A documented interpretation of tissue or cells examined by a pathology laboratory. It communicates the biopsy diagnosis and relevant microscopic findings.
Shave biopsy: A biopsy method that removes a superficial skin lesion with a blade. It samples raised or superficial lesions without taking a full-thickness skin core.
Basal-cell carcinoma: A common skin cancer arising from basal cells in the epidermis. A sample can distinguish it from benign growths and other skin cancers.
Histology: The study of the microscopic structure of tissues. Thin sections reveal the organization and cellular changes within sampled skin.
Skin scraping: The collection of superficial skin material for examination, often to detect fungi or parasites. It samples surface material rather than a piece of skin tissue.
Biopsy site marking: The recording of a tissue-sampling location so it can be identified later. Accurate site documentation links the pathology result to the correct skin lesion.

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