Skin Biopsy

Biopsy, Skin

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:	Non-cancerous (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 tumours, 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 health professional will discuss any abnormal results with you. The significance of these results varies depending on your symptoms and medical history.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: June 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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