Definition of Skin biopsySkin biopsy: Removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of diagnostic examination. Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose skin growths, such as moles, or skin conditions, such as rashes. Different skin biopsy 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 to diagnose rashes and other conditions. Excisional biopsies are generally larger and deeper than shave and punch biopsies, and they are used to completely remove an abnormal area of skin (lesion), such as a skin cancer. Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=7203 Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012
Medical Dictionary Definitions A - ZSearch Medical Dictionary
eMedicineHealth Top News
|
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Skin Problems and Treatments Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Featured Topics
Most Popular Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies

