Sometimes your dermatologist may wish to take a skin biopsy to get more information about your skin condition or lesion. This may assist with making a correct diagnosis or with deciding what the best treatment option is for you.
A skin biopsy involves taking a sample of skin under local anaesthetic. In most cases the skin is removed using a punch biopsy (typically 3-4mm in diameter) and the wound is closed with a suture. Alternatively, a shave biopsy may be taken, leaving a superficial wound that is left to heal by itself.
Biopsies are sent to a laboratory for processing and then the resulting slides are interpreted by a histopathologist who sends a report back to your dermatologist.
This information is for guidance only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.
For more information
https://www.dermnetnz.org/