What is the primary purpose of performing a punch biopsy?

• A. To obtain a full-thickness skin sample for histologic examination
• B. To remove a lesion entirely
• C. To treat infection
• D. To apply topical medication to the lesion

Answer: (A)

A punch biopsy is done to obtain a tissue sample that preserves the full thickness of the skin for microscopic examination. The circular blade removes a cylindrical piece that includes epidermis and dermis (sometimes with a bit of subcutaneous tissue), providing enough architectural detail for histology to diagnose conditions such as dermatitis, infections, or suspicious nevi or skin cancers. It’s a diagnostic tool, not a treatment or a method to remove an entire lesion — if the goal were complete lesion removal, an excisional biopsy would be used.