title: Primary melanoma: pitfalls in diagnostic biopsy techniques and interpretations.
abstract: A group of 235 patients with melanoma were followed for 10 years. In 25 of these patients, the initial biopsy specimen obtained by the shave, punch, or incisional technique was insufficient to determine the microscopic extent of the lesion. Guidelines for treatment of these patients include evaluation of the deepest level of tumor invasion, a clinical history of the lesion, and a careful physical examination. If any visible melanoma remains, total excisional rebiopsy should be performed before definitive treatment is begun. Of the 25 patients thus managed, recurrences developed in 3 within 2 years of initial treatment. In two patients, reexcisional surgery was carried out, and they are currently free of disease. One patient died from systemic metastases. Total excisional biopsy of lesions suspected of being melanomas is strongly recommended, and shave, punch, or incisional techniques should be avoided.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local