A skin biopsy is a procedure to remove cells or skin samples from your body for laboratory examination. A doctor uses a skin biopsy to diagnose skin conditions and remove abnormal tissue.

There are three main types of skin biopsies:

• Shave biopsy – doctor uses a tool similar to a razor to remove a small section of the top layers of skin (epidermis and portion of dermis)
• Punch biopsy – doctor uses a circular tool to remove small core of skin, including deeper layers (epidermis, dermis and superficial fat)
• Excisional biopsy – doctor uses a small knife (scalpel) to remove an entire lump or an area of abnormal skin, including a portion of normal skin down to or through the fatty layer of skin