Punch Biopsy
- A punch biopsy results in a full-thickness tissue specimen and can be used for lesions that require dermal or subcutaneous tissue for diagnosis (i.e., inflammatory or bullous lesions, complex nevi that are too large to be excised, and scalp or hair follicle biopsies).
- Punch biopsy instruments range in diameter from 2mm to 10mm, but 3mm is the smallest size that is likely to give a specimen large enough for accurate diagnostic assessment.
- One or two sutures are typically required from punches that are more than 3mm in diameter.
- This method is not an appropriate procedure for eyelids, lips, or penile lesions.
- Anticipatory guidance to the patient that the procedure will result in a scar.
- Gently stretching the skin perpendicular to the skin tension lines during the punch can help create an oval versus circular wound, facilitating easier approximation of the wound edges.