How do you decide when to perform a skin biopsy, and what techniques do you prefer?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks your understanding of when to do a skin biopsy and the techniques involved. It’s about showing your clinical reasoning and how you communicate with patients about procedures.
Tips
- Clearly outline when you would perform a biopsy, like diagnostic uncertainty or suspicion of skin cancer.
- Mention different biopsy techniques (excisional, punch, shave) and explain when you’d use each one.
- Discuss patient factors, like comfort and informed consent, to show you care about their experience.
Common mistakes
- Don’t just give vague reasons for a biopsy; be specific about the situations that warrant it.
- Avoid listing techniques without explaining why you’d choose one over another.
- Don’t forget to mention patient considerations; it’s not just about the procedure but also about the patient’s comfort and understanding.