Scalp Biopsies

Where Should the Sample Come From?

Scalp biopsies are very helpful in situations where the diagnosis is not clear. A 4 mm punch is the minimum size and the specimen should always be obtained from a region on the scalp that has the highest chance of showing diagnostic features under the microscope.

The use of dermoscopy (trichoscopy) greatly increases the chance that a biopsy will lead the clinician to the correct diagnosis. The blue dot in the picture shows an area that was selected for a biopsy.