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February 9, 2012
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Skin Biopsy

Medical Author:
Darilyn Campbell Falck, MD
Coauthor:
Troy M Falck, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM

Skin Biopsy Introduction

Your doctor may want to obtain a sample of skin in order to diagnose diseases of the skin, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi, or other chronic skin conditions. This procedure is called a skin biopsy.

A biopsy of a lesion of the skin, such as in mole removal or tumor removal, can help your doctor tell the difference between a skin cancer and a benign, or noncancerous, lesion. The skin sample obtained during a biopsy is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

How the procedure is performed

  • In an excision biopsy, the entire area of suspect skin is cut out. Excision biopsy is normally done with a scalpel. Stitches are used to close the incision.

  • In a punch biopsy, a sharp cookie cutter -like instrument is used to remove a small cylinder of skin. Sometimes stitches are necessary to close this type of biopsy wound.

  • The outermost part of a lesion can also be shaved off with a scalpel. This is called a shave biopsy.

  • If you have a lesion on your skin that is fluid-filled and not solid, this can be evaluated with aspiration. Your doctor can put a small needle attached to a syringe into this lesion and suction out the fluid.

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Skin Biopsy

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Heat Rash Overview

Heat rash is the generic group name for a number of skin problems that arise or worsen because of heat exposure or overheating. Common names for heat rash include prickly heat or miliaria. Other heat rashes include heat urticaria (hives) and sweat retention. Heat rash is prevalent in the summer months and particularly in humid climates. The condition usually is self-limited and resolves in hours to a few days without treatment. Rarely, it may be more severe requiring professional medical care.

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