A skin biopsy is a simple, in-clinic procedure whereby your dermatologist takes a small skin sample from the affected area. This is performed under local anaesthesia, under sterile conditions. Some stitches may be required to close the small wound after the biopsy. The skin sample is then sent for analysis/ histological examination.
A skin biopsy is a diagnostic test which may be necessary under the following circumstances:
- Suspected skin cancer
- Unusual rash whereby a diagnosis needs to be established —eg suspected autoimmune skin disease, suspected cutaneous lymphoma