Recent Blog Articles
Lead poisoning: What parents should know and do
How does waiting on prostate cancer treatment affect survival?
Does running cause arthritis?
Is alcohol and weight loss surgery a risky combination?
Preventing ovarian cancer: Should women consider removing fallopian tubes?
Healthier planet, healthier people
Is snuff really safer than smoking?
Will miscarriage care remain available?
Considering collagen drinks and supplements?
Does less TV time lower your risk for dementia?
Skin Biopsy
What is the test?
Doctors take biopsies of areas that look abnormal and use them to detect cancer, precancerous cells, infections, and other conditions. For some biopsies, the doctor inserts a needle into the skin and draws out a sample; in other cases, tissue is removed during a surgical procedure.
For this test, abnormal areas of skin are removed to test for cancer or other skin diseases.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
