title: The vertical wedge biopsy.
abstract: A biopsy technique is described that has been used in my clinical practice thousands of times. This very simple, cost-effective technique employs only one surgical tool, the scalpel blade, and permits a biopsy to be taken with sufficient tissue for histologic analysis. In that there is no disruption of a tumor margin, it permits the physician to make a diagnosis and not limit his or her choice of therapeutic modalities. Again, I wish to stress that appropriate selection of lesions is a critical point of this technique. It is unacceptable for lesions suspected to be malignant melanoma or for dermatoses that may have a deep component.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Gross
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology