Shave Biopsy
For a shave biopsy procedure, the doctor first injects a medicine to numb the area. Then the top layers of the skin are shaved off with a small surgical blade.
Bleeding from the biopsy site is then stopped by applying an ointment, a chemical that stops bleeding, or a small electrical current to cauterize the wound.
- Written by
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: April 16, 2021
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
Our lifesaving work is made possible thanks to generous supporters like you.
Donate now so we can continue to provide access to critical cancer information, resources, and support to improve lives of people with cancer and their families.
Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
