Skin Biopsy

Skin Biopsy

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.

Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated:
March 28, 2011
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Topic Contents
Test Overview
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
How It Feels
Risks
Results
What Affects the Test
What To Think About
References
Credits
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