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Biopsy · method

Punch skin biopsy

A small cylindrical core can provide full-thickness skin for histology when a representative part of a lesion or skin process needs to be sampled.

What the method does

A circular instrument removes a small cylindrical core of skin. The diameter and sampling site are selected according to the location, lesion size and the clinical question.

When melanoma is suspected: punch biopsy is not a universal first choice. If a lesion can safely be removed in full, excisional biopsy is often preferred; partial sampling is planned only when clinically justified.

Three key steps

Diagram showing site selection for a punch biopsy — 1. Select and mark a representative area.

Diagram showing removal of a cylindrical skin core with a punch instrument — 2. Remove a small cylindrical full-thickness sample.

Diagram showing closure after punch biopsy with one suture — 3. A small defect may be closed with one suture.

Clinical examples

Marking before a punch skin biopsy — Assessment and marking before sampling.

Sampling skin with a circular punch instrument — The circular instrument creates a full-thickness core.

Skin after punch biopsy and placement of one suture — The site after sampling and closure with one suture.

Clinical video

Clinical material
Assessment and marking, local anaesthesia, sampling and closure. No sound or autoplay.

After the procedure

The specimen is sent for histology. Wound care, suture removal and the next step depend on the site and the pathology result.

Excisional biopsy Biopsy method map

Clinical material from the author's archive, published with confirmed consent.

This educational material does not replace clinical examination, a complete pathology report or an individual treatment plan.