Based on the available literature, either is an acceptable form of sampling concerning melanocytic lesions:  Mills et al., PMID 23592167 Zager et al., PMID 21463767 I recommend scooping (deep shave) most melanocytic lesions to acquire the breadth and depth of the lesion as much as possible. ...

The goal is to capture as much— ideally the entirety of the breadth and depth of the lesion as possible in the initial sample.

Punch or deep shave can easily miss where the real action is.