A skin biopsy is a process to take skin samples or cells from your body for lab testing. A skin biopsy is performed by a physician to identify skin diseases and remove abnormal tissue.

Shave biopsy is one of the three primary forms of skin biopsies. A tiny part of the top layers of skin is removed by a doctor using a device resembling a razor (epidermis, and a portion of the dermis).

Puncture biopsy A doctor removes a small core of skin, including deeper layers, using a circular tool (epidermis, dermis and superficial fat).

Excisional biopsy. A complete lump or an area of aberrant skin, including a section of normal skin down to or through the fatty layer of skin, may be removed by a doctor using a small knife (scalpel).

Why it's done

Among the skin problems and diseases that can be diagnosed or treated with the aid of a skin biopsy are: Actinic keratosis

Skin infection, occasionally

Warts

Skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

Bullous pemphigoid and other blistering skin disorders

Inflammatory skin conditions

Skin tags

Suspicious moles or other growths