When are shave biopsies indicated?

The choice of the biopsy technique requires knowledge of basic dermatology, most specifically, where in the skin the pathology is likely to be located. A shave biopsy is usually the most superficial of the skin biopsies and particularly useful when the lesion is in or close to the epidermis. A shave biopsy is best for pedunculated, papular, or otherwise exophytic lesions. It is particularly useful for diagnosis of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, seborrheic keratoses, warts, intradermal nevi, and pyogenic granulomas. Shave biopsies are often poor choices for biopsies of melanocytic lesions such as dysplastic nevi or melanoma. Unlike punch biopsies, shave biopsies only require a clean, nonsterile field and do not require sutures.