title: Inverted pyramidal biopsy.
abstract: We describe a biopsy technique that is simple, rapid, and effective for numerous cutaneous lesions. The inverted pyramidal biopsy (IPB) creates an acute geometric tissue defect with an apex located in the dermis. A cosmetically pleasing result, while still providing adequate tissue to render a histologic description and diagnosis, is obtained. The technique can also be employed to remove a host of benign lesions, including dermatofibroma, fibrous papules, and chalazion, among others.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. daehler@interpoint.net
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Moody
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery