title: Shave biopsies--simple and useful.
abstract: The shave biopsy is the ideal diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the treatment of discrete superficial skin lesions. It is safe, simple to perform, and economical. Punch or excisional biopsy is appropriate for rashes and lesions involving the deeper dermis and subcutis. Pigmented lesions should be approached with respect; many can be excised with shave biopsy, but any suspected of being malignant melanoma should be evaluated by a cancer specialist.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Parkinson
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014860:Warts / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery