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Skin Biopsy

(continued)

Results

A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope.

Results from a skin biopsy usually are available in 3 to 10 days.

**Skin biopsy**
Normal:	The skin sample consists of normal skin tissue.
Abnormal:	Noncancerous (benign) growths are seen. Benign growths do not contain cancer cells. Benign skin changes include moles, skin tags, warts, seborrheic keratoses, keloids, cherry angiomas, and benign skin tumors, such as neurofibromas or dermatofibromas.
	Cancer cells such as basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, or melanoma are present.
	Other diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, or vasculitis are present.
	A bacterial or fungal infection is present.

Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and past health.

What Affects the Test

Taking medicines, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, those used for fungal infections (antifungal medicines), and corticosteroid skin creams, can interfere with your test or the accuracy of the results.

What To Think About

If the biopsy contains cancer cells, more surgery will be needed to remove the cancer completely.
If the biopsy is done on your face, you may want to have it done by a doctor who specializes in surgical techniques that can minimize scarring, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
Further testing may be needed if:
- A small biopsy does not contain enough cells to make an accurate diagnosis.
- Cells from the abnormal area weren't included in the sample.

Other Works Consulted
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised	March 28, 2011

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 28, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.