A shave skin biopsy is done to remove a growth from the skin. The doctor uses a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then the growth is shaved off using a surgical knife (scalpel) or special razor. The biopsy area is then covered with a bandage.

After the growth is removed, a doctor trained to look at tissue samples (pathologist) will check it for cell changes, such as cancer. The pathologist also may do tests to detect an infection caused by a virus, a fungus, or bacteria.