Principles of skin biopsies for the family physician.

Skin biopsies provide physicians with valuable information in the evaluation of many dermatologic conditions. Before beginning the biopsy, family physicians should understand a few guidelines regarding the choice of the lesion to be sampled. These guidelines help the physician avoid unnecessary scars and ensure optimal pathologic correlation. The most common techniques include the punch, shave, excisional and incisional biopsies. Each procedure has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the dermatologic condition and the morphology of the lesion. Pigmented lesions characteristic of melanoma require special consideration. Techniques of skin preparation, tissue handling, anesthesia and equipment are presented.