Lesion Biopsies

A skin lesion is an area of abnormality that may come in the form of a lump, sore, or discoloration.  During a skin biopsy a small portion of that area of skin is removed to be examined further. This procedure is often performed to diagnose skin cancer, however – it is useful to determine other conditions as well.  

The area of the lesion removal will be numbed so that you don’t feel pain.  This is an in office procedure and only takes a few minutes.

• Shave biopsy: The doctor shaves a thin layer from the top of a lesion.
• Punch biopsy: The doctor uses an instrument called a punch to remove a circular section through all layers of the lesion.
• Excisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to take off the entire lesion. This method is used for smaller lesions.
• Incisional biopsy: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove a small sample of a large lesion.

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