A skin biopsy is performed to remove a sample of the skin lesion and this is done under local anaesthesia. The skin sample is then sent for histology to determine or confirm the diagnosis. Skin biopsy can be
- Shave biopsy where a tangential shave is performed to remove the protruding part of a skin lesion. A deep shave biopsy removes both the protruding part as well as part of the deep tissue
- Punch biopsy where a part or whole of the skin lesion is removed with a skin biopsy punch
- Incisional biopsy where part of the skin lesion is removed in an elliptical incision
- Excisional biopsy where the whole skin lesion is removed
