Skin Biopsy

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KEY POINTS

• A skin biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of skin to test and diagnose a skin problem.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is the removal of a small piece of skin for testing. After the skin is removed, it is sent to a lab where it is examined under a microscope or tested.

When is it used?

A skin biopsy may be done to diagnose or help treat skin problems such as:

• Psoriasis, which is rough, dry, thick patches of skin that may be covered with silvery-white scales
• Scleroderma, which is a disease that causes the skin to get thick, hard, and sometimes numb
• Blisters
• Skin cancer
• Skin infection
• Skin tags, moles, or other growths on your skin
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which causes skin sores
• Warts

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Follow any other instructions your provider may give you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what the healthcare provider is going to do and how long it will take you to recover.

What happens during the procedure?

This procedure is done in your healthcare provider’s office or at a clinic.

Your healthcare provider may numb your skin with a spray or shot of local anesthetic to keep you from feeling pain during the biopsy.

There are different ways to do a skin biopsy.

• A knife called a scalpel may be used to take a small piece of skin, a lump, or an abnormal area.
• A sharp, circular knife may be used to take a little circle of skin about one quarter inch wide and deep. This allows deeper layers of skin to be examined.
• A razor-blade-like tool may be used to remove just the surface of skin. It may also be used to remove a small growth on the skin.

What happens after the procedure?

You may have some soreness around the biopsy area for 1 or 2 weeks. You may have a small scar from the biopsy.

Follow your provider's instructions for taking care of your wound. Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection or bleeding.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.