What can a scalp biopsy do?

[win200]

I know that a lot of folks around here have gotten scalp biopsies, but what exactly can they do? I've got some mystery shedding on the back of my head, and I'd love to figure out what's causing it. Could a biopsy be much help? I'm just not sure what exactly they can tell us.

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Scalp biopsies can tell the patient quite a bit of information. This includes but is not limited to any inflammatory process, presense of scar tissue, or apparent androgenetic alopecia.

[win200]

Thanks, Dr. Charles! I've got an appointment with a surgeon on the 17th, and it sounds like biopsy results might be some handy info to have for that appointment.

[win200]

Scheduled a pre-biopsy consult for this Friday. Hopefully my dermatologist will agree to do the biopsy... fingers crossed.