Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of skin tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to diagnose or investigate various skin conditions. This procedure is typically performed by a dermatologist or a healthcare professional trained in dermatology. Skin biopsies are valuable in determining the cause of skin lesions, rashes, tumors, and other abnormalities.
There are different types of skin biopsies, and the choice of technique depends on the suspected condition and the depth of the tissue sample required. Here are some common types of skin biopsies:
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Punch Biopsy: A circular tool, called a punch, is used to remove a small, cylindrical section of skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes the subcutaneous fat. This type of biopsy is often used for larger or deeper lesions.
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Shave Biopsy: A scalpel or razor blade is used to shave off the top layers of the skin. This type of biopsy is suitable for raised lesions or growths.
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Excisional Biopsy: The entire lesion or a significant part of it is removed, along with a margin of normal skin. This method is often used when a deeper or larger sample is needed or when the entire lesion needs to be removed for therapeutic purposes.
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Incisional Biopsy: Only a portion of the lesion is removed for examination. This is commonly done for larger lesions where removing the entire growth may be impractical or disfiguring.
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Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA): This involves using a thin, hollow needle to aspirate a small sample of cells from a lesion. FNA is often used for cysts or fluid-filled lesions.
Category:Cosmetology
