Punch biopsy
A punch biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a small, tube-shaped piece of skin and some other tissue underneath are removed using a sharp, round cutting tool called a punch. It can be done anywhere on the body. The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope.
Why a punch biopsy is done
With a punch biopsy, doctors are able to remove a sample of tissue that includes
all the layers of the skin (
A punch biopsy is used to diagnose many types of cancer, including:
- melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer
- mouth cancer (oral cavity cancer)
- pharyngeal cancer
- inflammatory breast cancer
- vaginal cancer
- vulvar cancer
It’s also used to diagnose
A punch biopsy is often used for large tumours on the skin or on the thin, moist layer of tissue that lines some organs and cavities (called mucosa).
How a punch biopsy is done
A punch biopsy is most often done in a doctor’s office or in a clinic. It usually takes about 15 minutes.
The skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic is used to freeze the area so you won’t feel any pain. The doctor stretches the skin with one hand and places the punch over the stretched area with the other hand. The doctor pushes the punch down into the skin while twisting it until it has cut through all layers of skin. The tissue is lifted out with a needle and cut from the area with scissors.
If a large amount of tissue is removed, you may need 1 or 2 stitches. A bandage is placed over the wound. You can go home right after the biopsy is done.
Side effects
Side effects of a punch biopsy depend mainly on where it is done. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from the punch biopsy. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.
Most side effects of a punch biopsy are temporary. They may include:
- soreness or tenderness at the biopsy site
- a small amount of bleeding
- an infection
- scarring
What the results mean
The biopsy sample is sent to a lab. A pathologist (a doctor who specializes in the causes and nature of disease) examines the sample. A pathology report describes the types of cells found in the sample and if the cells are normal or abnormal.
An abnormal result may mean:
- an infection
- a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema
- a non-cancerous skin tumour such as a mole
- a precancerous condition of the skin such as actinic keratosis or lentigo maligna
- a cancer such as basal cell carcinoma or melanoma
If an abnormality or cancer is found, your doctor will decide if you need more tests, treatment or follow-up care. In some cases, a punch biopsy completely removes the tumour and no other treatment is needed.
Your trusted source for accurate cancer information
With support from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.
We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.
Every donation helps fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.