What is the procedure called that involves the removal of skin lesions for microscopic examination?

The procedure that involves the removal of skin lesions for microscopic examination is known as a skin biopsy. This technique is essential in diagnosing various skin conditions, including malignancies, by allowing for the histological analysis of the sampled tissue. During a skin biopsy, a portion of the lesion is excised and examined under a microscope to determine the presence of cancerous cells or other abnormalities.

A skin scrape is typically used for diagnosing superficial skin infections, particularly fungal infections, rather than for the evaluation of skin lesions for potential malignancies. Skin punch is a specific type of biopsy that involves using a circular blade to remove a core of skin, and while it is a biopsy method, it is not the general term for the procedure. A skin culture is performed to identify infectious organisms in a lesion or on the skin surface, and is not related to the microscopic examination of skin lesions for cancer diagnosis.