Melanoma biopsy

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

Overview

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:

Suspicious pigmented lesion

Biopsy

Inadequate

Rebiopsy

Melanoma confirmed

Breslow thickness

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

Staging