Punch biopsy; Shave biopsy; Skin biopsy; Biopsy - skin

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The test may reveal skin cancers or noncancerous (benign) conditions. Bacteria and fungi can be identified. The test may also reveal some inflammatory diseases of the skin. Once the diagnosis is confirmed with the biopsy, a treatment plan is usually started.

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Skin lesion biopsy Overview

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Skin lesion biopsy Risks

Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)