SKIN BIOPSIES

A Closer Look at Your Skin

A skin biopsy helps diagnose skin conditions by examining a small sample of skin.

Skin Biopsies

Any suspicious skin lesion should be biopsied. Biopsies involve removing a small amount of skin. Dr Kidwell sends his biopsies to Pathology Associates, the largest pathology group in the Central Valley. The pathologists can look at the specimen under a microscope to diagnose a skin condition or skin cancer.

Dr Kidwell offers three main types of skin biopsies and a non-invasive option:

Shave biopsy: Shaving off a thin, top layer of skin
Punch biopsy: Using a circular tool like a mini-cookie cutter to remove a small section of skin
Excisional biopsy: Surgically removing a lesion
Derm Tech: Putting tape on a lesion, and having the DNA on the tape tested for signs of melanoma