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Shave vs Punch Biopsy — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardDermatological SurgeryShave vs Punch BiopsySCE Dermatology

A patient has painful subcutaneous nodules, livedo racemosa and mononeuritis multiplex. Medium-vessel vasculitis is suspected. Which biopsy technique is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Deep incisional biopsy extending into subcutaneous fat

Medium-sized arteries lie at the deep dermal–subcutaneous interface and within fat septa. A deep incisional or adequately deep large punch biopsy is needed; a superficial sample can miss the diagnostic vessel entirely.

Reference: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/pages/bad-guidelines