Hook-shaped needle-guided shave biopsy: a modified technique applied to difficult anatomic locations.

摘要

Shave biopsy describes the technique of sharp removal of epidermal or dermal lesions by horizontal slicing cut parallel to the surface of the surrounding skin. It usually extends to the level of the mid-dermis, with the subcutaneous tissue left undisturbed,1 and is useful for any elevated lesion when a full-thickness of tissue is unimportant, as in nevi, where it often produces excellent cosmetic results. However, pigmented lesions suspected of being a melanoma should be sampled using a punch, exci-sional, or incisional biopsy. Skin lesions with a minimal dermal component, such as seborrheic keratoses or fibrous papules of the nose, are also excellent candidates for this technique. Shave biopsy is the ideal method of diagnosis for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, warts, dome-shaped nevi, cutaneous horn, dermatofibroma, acrochordon, and angiofibroma.