Skin biopsy in general practice.

and length of history (M Whitaker, personal com- munication).Some, albeit few, malignant lesions were not clinically recognised in this study and doctors should be wary of discarding skin specimens as malignant and incompletely excised lesions may recur.Referral for histological examination avoids delayed diagnosis and should effect prompt and adequate further treatment if required.In conclusion, the performance of skin biopsies by general practitioners could be improved.All skin specimens should be sent for histological examination for feedback of both diagnostic skill and quality of excision.