Not all skin conditions require a skin sample for evaluation. Biopsies are performed to diagnose bacterial or fungal infections, inflammatory diseases, skin cancers, or benign skin growths.
Most basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) occur on the face, ears, neck, trunk, and extremities. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) commonly occur on the lips, ears, and hands.
Most biopsies and excisions are sent to the histology laboratory for processing, including:
- Skin shave biopsies: A thin, circular slice of skin is shaved off (removed) using a razor blade, scalpel, or a razor-like tool for small areas. Only the upper portions of the skin are sampled. Curettage, or skin scrapings, are also performed with a razor blade. This method is quick, cost-effective, and the least complicated.
- Skin punch biopsies: A cylindrical or conical portion of skin is removed with a sharp, circular, dull tool that penetrates and removes deeper portions of skin. Although the sample is narrow, it does represent a deeper portion of skin, including the subcutaneous tissue.
- Skin excisions: An elliptical or oval skin portion is often removed with a scalpel. The excision contains the lesion and deeper portions of the skin, including the subcutaneous tissue. Excisions diagnose and treat skin cancers, cysts, and lipomas. Excising tissue affected with skin cancer is the most widely accepted cure for skin cancer.
