Melanoma biopsy

Melanoma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Melanoma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Melanoma biopsy On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Melanoma biopsy All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Melanoma biopsy
CDC on Melanoma biopsy
Melanoma biopsy in the news
Blogs on Melanoma biopsy
Directions to Hospitals Treating Melanoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Melanoma biopsy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.

Biopsy

• Patients who have lesions suspected to be melanoma should always be biopsied.
• An excisional biopsy (either elliptical, punch, or saucerization) of the thickest portion of the lesion with 1-3 mm margins is recommended.
• Shave biopsy is acceptable only when the index of suspicion for melanoma is low.
• The following should be reported when a biopsy is being reported:

• Location
• Regression
• Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
• Breslow thickness and vertical growth phase
• Histologic ulceration
• Clark level
• Angiolymphatic invasion
• Neurotropism
• Histologic subtype

Suspicious pigmented lesion

Biopsy

Inadequate

Rebiopsy

Melanoma confirmed

Breslow thickness

Ulceration status

Mitotic rate

Depth and peripheral margin status

Presence of satellitosis

Clark level for lesions ≤ 1 mm

Reassessment with complete physical examination, including neurological exam and lymph node assessment

Staging