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Illustrative Handbook of General Surgery pp 767–779Cite as

Biopsy of Skin Lesions

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the complexity of issues to consider when determining to do a relatively easy and inexpensive procedure – punch biopsy. Reviewed are lesions appropriate to diagnose with punch, and absolute contraindications to punch, which are few but serious. Review of data and consensus guidelines are clear regarding pigmented lesions highly suspicious for melanoma but there is no clear cut recommendation for type and size of biopsy for a myriad of other lesions. How to obtain a full thickness tissue sample, closure and wound care is outlined. General points of discussion to be reviewed with patients regarding the goal of the procedure and individual considerations are made.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Wisconsin Health System, 600 Highland Avenue K4/755 CSC, 53792-7375, Madison, WI, USA

    Mary Beth Henry RN, MS, CS, APNP

Authors
  1. Mary Beth Henry RN, MS, CS, APNP
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mary Beth Henry RN, MS, CS, APNP .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    Herbert Chen

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Henry, M.B. (2016). Biopsy of Skin Lesions. In: Chen, H. (eds) Illustrative Handbook of General Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24557-7_43

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24557-7_43

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-24555-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-24557-7

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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