Shave biopsy

In Shave biopsy

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A shave biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a thin piece of skin is removed from the surface using a sharp blade. The skin is then examined under a microscope.

Why a shave biopsy is done

A shave biopsy is used for growths or abnormal areas that are on the top or outer layers of skin. This includes the epidermis and the outermost part of the dermis.

A shave biopsy is mainly done to diagnose:

types of non-melanoma skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
other skin tumours or precancerous conditions of the skin such as actinic keratosis
non-cancerous skin tumours or conditions such as seborrheic keratoses or a skin infection

In some cases, a shave biopsy is done to completely remove a non-cancerous skin growth such as a wart or skin tag.

How a shave biopsy is done

A shave biopsy is usually done in a doctor’s office or in a clinic. It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic is used to freeze the area so you won’t feel any pain. The doctor uses a sharp blade held flat against the skin to shave off the tumour. The blade may be a flexible razor blade or a scalpel. Only a very thin layer of skin is removed.

After the biopsy is done, the wound is heated with electricity (called cauterization) or a chemical cream is used to stop the bleeding. You don’t need stitches. A bandage is used to cover the wound. You can go home right after the biopsy is done.

Side effects

Side effects can happen with any type of test, but everyone’s experience is different. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from the shave biopsy. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.

Most side effects of a shave biopsy are temporary. They may include:

soreness or tenderness at the site
a small amount of bleeding
an infection
scarring

What the results mean

The biopsy sample is sent to a lab. A pathologist (a doctor who specializes in the causes and nature of disease) examines the sample. A pathology report describes the types of cells found in the sample and if the cells are normal or abnormal.

An abnormal result may mean a non-cancerous growth, a precancerous condition or cancer.

Depending on the results, your doctor will decide if you need more tests, any treatment or follow-up care.

Christensen SR, Leffell DJ. Cancer of the skin. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 92:1314-1336.
Estep PS. Skin Biopsy Technique. 2014. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1997709-technique.
Estep PS. Skin Biopsy. 2014. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1997709-overview.
Pickett H. Shave and punch biopsy for skin lesions. American Family Physician. 2011.
US National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Skin Lesion Biopsy. 2015. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003840.htm.

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