Skin Biopsy

Skin Biopsy

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.
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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