Health Information
Skin Biopsy
Results
A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope.
Results from a skin biopsy usually are available in 3 to 10 days.
| Normal: |
The skin sample consists of normal skin tissue. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: |
Noncancerous (benign) growths are seen. Benign growths do not contain cancer cells. Benign skin changes include moles, Reference skin tags Opens New Window, Reference warts Opens New Window, Reference seborrheic keratoses Opens New Window, Reference keloids Opens New Window, Reference cherry angiomas Opens New Window, and benign skin tumors, such as neurofibromas or dermatofibromas. |
|
Cancer cells such as Reference basal cell cancer Opens New Window, Reference squamous cell cancer Opens New Window, or Reference melanoma Opens New Window are present. |
|
|
Other diseases such as Reference lupus Opens New Window, Reference psoriasis Opens New Window, or Reference vasculitis Opens New Window are present. |
|
|
A bacterial or fungal infection is present. |
Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and past health.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 28, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
