Biopsy punch

A biopsy punch for removing a biopsy sample from a biopsy area of a patient includes a handle and a tubular blade. The handle is adapted for gripping by a user. The tubular blade extends around a longitudinal axis and has first and second longitudinally spaced blade ends separated by a blade body. The tubular blade is operatively coupled to the handle, has a cutting edge at the second blade end, has a plurality of openings located in the blade body and allowing the user to view the biopsy area for positioning the cutting edge in the biopsy area, and has at least one retainer prong extending toward the longitudinal axis and operative to engage the severed sample to assist in retaining the severed sample in the blade body. The tubular blade is adapted to sever at least a portion of the biopsy sample from the biopsy area and retain the severed sample in the blade body. A method of using the biopsy punch is also described.