Among the most common skin exams that Deerfield Dermatology Associates, Ltd. performs is skin biopsy and pathology.  Please take a moment to read important information provided on this page to help you understand this procedure.

A skin biopsy is a skin exam in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope.   It is necessary in diagnosing diseases of the skin, such as skin cancer, psoriasis, or bacterial and fungal infection. 

There are three types of biopsies:

• shave biopsy (removal of the epidermis, top layer of the skin)
• punch biopsy (removal of a small section of the skin including deeper layer of the skin, dermis and superficial fat)
• excisional biopsy (complete removal of the abnormal area of the skin)

Depending on the size, location, and type of lesion the dermatologist may decide which type of skin exam is required.

Deerfield Dermatology is a certified CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988)  laboratory.  A CLIA certificate is issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health under the implementation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services which regulates all laboratory testing performed on humans in the United States.  The objective of CLIA is to ensure quality laboratory testing.  Deerfield Dermatology has successfully complied with the program requirements, including dermatopathology and mycology quality control and quality assurance, and proficiency testing.

Our doctors are extensively trained in diagnosing and interpreting pathology specimens as well as mycology specimens.  Over 39 years of combined experience in interpreting specimens ensures the quality and accuracy of diagnosis.