dermatologic disorders
Diagnostic Tests for Skin Disorders
Skin Biopsy
There are several types of skin biopsy: Punch Shave Wedge excision In apunch biopsy,a tubular punch (diameter usually 4 mm) is inserted into deep dermal or subcutaneous tissue to obtain a specimen, which is snipped off at its base. Shavingwith a scalpel or razor blade may be done for more superficial lesions. Bleeding is controlled byaluminum chloridesolution or electrodesiccation. Wedge excisionof skin using a scalpel can be done for larger or deeper biopsies, which are closed by sutures. Pigmented lesions are sometimes excised for histologic evaluation of depth; if too superficial, definitive diagnosis may be impossible. Diagnosis and cure can often be achieved simultaneously for most small tumors by complete excision that includes a small border of normal skin. 