Biopsy, Skin 

A skin biopsy, where a physician removes a small sample of skin for testing, is a rapid and convenient office procedure that aids in the diagnosis of a patient's skin condition or lesion. Although usually done by a dermatologist, any physician who is skilled and knowledgeable with the technique and its indications can safely perform a skin biopsy. There are several techniques that involve sampling tissue from a skin lesion or eruption. Once removed, the tissue sample is processed and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. It usually takes several days before a final diagnosis is rendered.

Skin biopsy procedure selection very much depends on the suspected diagnosis, size, and location of the lesion.