[Selection of the biopsy procedure-critical for dermatopathological diagnostics]

Skin biopsy is one of the most frequently performed diagnostic measures in dermatological practice. Depending on the diagnostic question, the selection of the type of biopsy procedure and the biopsy location can have a considerable influence on histological assessment. Depending on the disease, different aspects must be taken into account for a precise diagnosis. This article summarizes these for exanthema, erythematosquamous dermatoses, blistering diseases, subcutaneous inflammatory processes, and alopecia with examples. Advantages and disadvantages of different biopsy types are also addressed for neoplastic diseases. The aim is to draw attention to difficulties in histopathologic differential diagnosis caused by the biopsy procedure and, thus, to improve the quality of biopsy and diagnosis.