A skin biopsy is a procedure where a doctor takes a small sample of skin to examine under a microscope. This helps diagnose various skin conditions, including:
- Skin cancer: Identifying cancerous cells and determining their type.
- Infections: Detecting the presence of bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
- Other skin disorders: Diagnosing conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or inflammatory skin diseases.
The procedure involves removing a tiny piece of skin using different techniques like:
- Punch biopsy: A circular blade is used to remove a small, cylindrical piece of skin.
- Shave biopsy: A razor-like instrument is used to shave off a thin layer of skin.
- Excisional biopsy: A larger piece of skin is removed, often including a portion of the underlying tissue.
The extracted sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days to a week.
