Skin biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure that is commonly performed in dermatology practice. Various methods of skin biopsy exist, and multiple factors are considered in choosing the most appropriate biopsy technique for a given situation. Among the most important factors are location and depth and breadth of sampling. An effort is made to provide the consulting pathologist with as much tissue as clinically reasonable, from a location with the highest chance of diagnostic yield, while causing as little disfigurement and compromise of function to the patient as possible.
Biopsies can be categorized as incisional, in which only a portion of a lesion is sampled, or excisional in which the physician removes all of the visible lesion. An incisional biopsy can be performed as a shave, scissor, curettage, or punch specimen. Excisional biopsy is usually done with a full-thickness scalpel excision or with a deeper oblique (shave or scoop) excision.
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