Evaluation of the 2-mm punch biopsy in dermatological diagnosis.

This prospective study was undertaken to determine whether the 2-mm punch biopsy technique yields specimens of sufficient size and quality to allow a reliable histological diagnosis to be made. A histopathological comparison was made between tissue obtained from a 2-mm punch biopsy and a standard ellipse biopsy taken from a wide range of dermatoses and benign and malignant skin tumours. In 79 of the 84 cases studied, the same histopathological diagnosis was reached with the 2-mm punch biopsy and the standard ellipse. Use of the 2-mm punch biopsy technique produces specimens which allow an accurate histological diagnosis to be made in a wide range of dermatological conditions. Skin biopsy techniques should ideally be quick and easy to perform, yielding specimens of high quality and adequate size while leaving the smallest possible tissue defect and a good cosmetic result. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the 2-mm punch biopsy with that of the standard ellipse biopsy technique in providing skin specimens which permit an accurate pathological diagnosis to be made.