punch biopsy

The removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes using a sharp, cylindrical, hollow instrument placed over the tissue to be excised and rotated with slight pressure until an incision of proper depth is achieved. The tissue within the incision is lifted, and the base is excised with a scissor or scalpel blade.

Removal of a small cylindrical biopsy specimen by means of an instrument that either directly pierces the tissue or enters through the skin or a small incision in the skin.