Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
- Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
- Donations, website, or event-related assistance
- Tobacco-related topics
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- Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
Punch Biopsy
For a punch biopsy, the doctor first injects a medicine to numb the area. Then a tool that looks like a tiny round cookie cutter is used to remove a deep sample of skin. The doctor rotates the punch biopsy tool on the skin until it cuts through all the layers of the skin. The sample is then removed, and the edges of the biopsy site are often stitched together.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: April 16, 2021
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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