title: Excision of malignant melanoma overlying a pacemaker.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the increasing number of patients with implantable cardiac devices, dermatologic surgeons must be increasingly familiar with the types of devices and potential interference by surgical procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the excision of a 1 cm malignant melanoma in situ occurring on the skin directly overlying the patient's pacemaker.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Successful excision of malignant lesions in the setting of implantable cardiac devices requires an understanding of pacemaker implantation anatomy following well-established guidelines for electrosurgery in the setting of implantable cardiac devices and careful coordination with cardiac and anesthesia specialists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Surgical/Oncology Division, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chapas
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Gary S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*