Definition of Skin biopsy

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow

Skin biopsy: Removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of further examination in the laboratory using a microscope.

Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. Different techniques are used in different situations. A shave biopsy takes a thin slice and can be used to remove superficial lesions. A punch biopsy takes a core and can be used to remove small lesions and diagnose rashes and other conditions. Excisional biopsies are usually larger and deeper and used to completely remove an abnormal area of skin (lesion) such as a skin cancer.