Punch Biopsy or Shave Biopsy for a Suspicious Mole?

November 20, 2012
Asked By:nobo1211

I have medium skin tone with lot's of freckles and moles. I have had several moles removed via shave biopsy in the past. A new derm with great credentials removed two suspicious moles via the punch method. It was horrible!! She wants to remove 4 more. I asked why it can't be done by shave biopsy, then the more invasive punch if it's atypical. She doesn't like the biopsy to come back showing another removal is needed. She also said punch scars less. I'm so confused why different methods for Derms.

Answers (5)

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March 2, 2013

Answer: Punch biopsy vs. shave biopsy for a mole

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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MOST RECENT
March 2, 2013

Answer: Punch biopsy vs. shave biopsy for a mole

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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February 22, 2013

Answer: Biopsy

Sam Naficy, MD, FACSBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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February 22, 2013

Answer: Biopsy

Sam Naficy, MD, FACSBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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November 21, 2012

Answer: Punch biopsy is more accurate than shave biopsy

Dev Wali, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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November 21, 2012

Answer: Punch biopsy is more accurate than shave biopsy

Dev Wali, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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November 21, 2012

Answer: Punch or Shave Excision for Suspicious Mole

November 21, 2012

Answer: Punch or Shave Excision for Suspicious Mole

November 21, 2012

Answer: Moles

November 21, 2012

Answer: Moles