US Medical Term · tests
Skin Biopsy
Biopsia de piel
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Skin Biopsy |
| Spanish (Español) | Biopsia de piel |
| Chinese (中文) | 皮膚活組織切片 |
| Korean (한국어) | 피부 생검 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Sinh thiết da |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Skin Biopsy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Biópsia de pele |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตัดชิ้นเนื้อผิวหนัง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 皮膚生検 |
What it means
A skin biopsy removes a small sample of skin tissue so a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. It is performed to diagnose skin cancers (such as melanoma, basal cell, or squamous cell carcinoma), rashes, infections, or other skin diseases. The most common technique is a punch biopsy, where a circular blade removes a cylinder of skin; a shave biopsy uses a blade to shave off a thin layer. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic injection, which may sting briefly. You may need one or two stitches afterward. Results are usually available within a week. The procedure is performed by a dermatologist or primary care doctor in an outpatient setting.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My dermatologist wants to biopsy a mole — will it hurt and do I need stitches?
Mi dermatólogo quiere hacerme una biopsia de un lunar — ¿dolerá y necesitaré puntos?
How do I care for my skin after a biopsy to prevent infection?
¿Cómo debo cuidar mi piel después de una biopsia para evitar infecciones?
How long does it take to get skin biopsy results from the pathologist?
¿Cuánto tiempo tarda en llegar el resultado de la biopsia de piel del patólogo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026