Definition
A skin biopsy is the removal of a small area of skin for subsequent analysis. A small forceps is inserted into the skin using a punch. A small area can also be removed with a scalpel.
A local anaesthetic is administered beforehand. A sample is taken through the forceps. There are two different forms of skin biopsy.
On the one hand, a sample can be taken from the superficial skin layer. On the other hand, the punch can be used to penetrate the entire skin to assess all layers. The two variants are called superficial or deep skin biopsy.
The skin biopsy is then evaluated by a special dermatologist, the dermatologist, or a pathologist. This allows changes in the skin to be better assessed and possible malignant changes to be reliably detected. This has an important function in the early detection and therapy of diseases.
Indications
The indication for skin biopsy is determined by the treating dermatologist. The dermatologist can give the indication in case of several unclear findings. A distinction is made between the clarification of primarily dermatological unclear skin findings and the clarification of diseases of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system in the skin.
There are many harmless changes like psoriasis, which are all clarified in this way. For example, one can also examine a mole in this way. Also redness and smaller warts can be controlled by a biopsy.
In addition, there are some more special cases where this method is used. In the context of an infection with HIV and manifest AIDS, a skin biopsy is often performed. This clinical picture leads to the formation of a so-called Kaposi sarcoma.
This is a tumor that is examined with the help of the biopsy. Kaposi’s sarcoma can also occur in healthy people. After infection with a virus, redness may occur on the skin. A skin biopsy may also be performed to clarify this. A biopsy may also be useful in cases of systemic lupus erythematosus.