Skin Biopsy Health Article

Risks

Infection and bleeding occur rarely after skin biopsy. If the skin biopsy may leave a scar, the patient usually is asked to give informed consent before the test.

Normal results

The biopsy reveals normal skin layers.

Abnormal results

The biopsy reveals a noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) lesion. Benign lesions may require treatment.

BOOKS

Goldsmith, Lowell A., et al. Adult and Pediatric Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia:S. A. Davis Co., 1997.

Graham-Brown, Robin, and Tony Burns. Lecture Notes on Dermatology. 7th ed. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Science Inc., 1996.

Robinson, June K., et al. Atlas of Cutaneous Surgery. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1996.

Wheeland, Ronald. Cutaneous Surgery. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1994.

PERIODICALS

Achar, Suraj. "Principles of Skin Biopsies for the Family Physician." American Family Physician 8 (1996): 2411.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N. Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014. (847) 330-0230. <http://www.aad.org>.

Collette L. Placek

KEY TERMS

Benign—Noncancerous.

Dermatitis—A skin disorder that causes inflammation, that is, redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Dermatologist—A doctor who specializes in skin care and treatment.

Dermatosis—A noninflammatory skin disorder.

Lesion—An area of abnormal or injured skin.

Malignant—Cancerous.

Pathologist—A person who specializes in studying diseases. In particular, this person examines the structural and functional changes in the tissues and organs of the body that are caused by disease or that cause disease themselves.