Rory R. Dalton, MD

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Cutaneous melanoma: Detecting it earlier, weighing management options

Author(s)

Joshua E. Lane, MD

Rory R. Dalton, MD

Omar P. Sangueza, MD

Practice recommendations

Arrange a biopsy of any pigmented lesion that changes significantly on serial examinations.
Full-thickness excisional biopsy is preferred; for large lesions, incisional or punch biopsy at the deepest point of the tumor may be an option.
For thin lesions, a surgical margin encompassing 1 cm normal skin is recommended.
Specimens submitted in formalin for permanent sections are preferred to frozen sections.

A 51-year-old man of northern European descent who works outdoors for the city asks you to look at a “mole” on his face. The lesion does not have the classic appearance of a melanoma that you have seen before, and it is still fairly small. Should you advise a wait-and-see approach or perform a biopsy?

Opt for early detection

Given the patient’s likely genetic predisposition to skin cancer and his regular, lengthy exposure to sunlight (see Risk factors), you would be wise to follow your cutaneous examination with a biopsy.

The ABCDs of visual assessment. The classic clinical presentation of melanoma is well known. The most publicized means for identifying potentially atypical pigmented skin lesions is the “ABCD” mnemonic (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation, and lesion diameter >6 mm) (FIGURES 1 AND 2).^7,8 The ABCDs are primarily an educational tool for patients. This mnemonic was expanded to include E, representing evolution of a pigmented lesion.⁹ Any pigmented lesion observed to change significantly on serial examinations warrants biopsy to exclude melanoma.

Caveat: not all melanomas are pigmented. Amelanotic melanomas are a diagnostic challenge and may be lethal if left unattended.

Routine screening. Large-scale skin cancer screening has been performed and found to be a statistically ineffective means of detection. Moreover, the US Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine counseling by primary care physicians to prevent skin cancer.¹⁰

A large-scale educational and screening campaign was performed in Italy from 1991 to 1996. During this period, 90,000 educational leaflets were distributed to a target population of approximately 243,000. A total of 2050 individuals requested a skin examination, resulting in detection of 13 melanomas.¹¹ However, 92.3% of the melanomas were thin (<1.52 mm deep). Despite the lack of statistical significance for such screenings, many organizations do perform them and find melanomas, which can be life saving for those few individuals.

Anatomic areas to focus on. While melanoma can affect any anatomic region, it is especially common on sun-exposed areas, including the head, neck, and upper extremities. Acral lentiginous melanoma is found on palmar, plantar, and subungual regions. Include the scalp, ocular mucosa, and oral cavity in your examination.

Detailed melanoma classifications

Four primary groups have been traditionally proposed based on a combination of clinical and pathologic features: superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma. Furthermore, additional histopathologic variants including desmoplastic, neurotropic, amelanotic, signet-ring cell, small cell and balloon cell melanoma have been described.

FIGURE 1
Melanoma in situ

Classic presentations of melanoma in situ on the left cheek. Sun-exposed areas are most often affected.

FIGURE 2
Melanoma in situ

Classic presentations of melanoma in situ on the tip of the nose. Sun-exposed areas are most often affected.

Which biopsy technique to choose?

A properly performed biopsy is mandatory to accurately diagnose and microstage the tumor. No other test reliably surpasses routine histologic examination.

When possible, arrange for a full-thickness excisional biopsy with a narrow (2-mm) rim of normal skin, especially for large lesions in which sampling error may be a factor.

FAST TRACK

Biopsy any pigmented lesion with a history of change

Tissue samples are submitted for histologic examination in formalin for permanent sections. Frozen sections are not recommended for the initial diagnosis of melanoma due to artifactual changes from the freezing process.

When lesions are too large for primary excision, or if an optimal cosmetic result is important to the patient, an incisional or punch biopsy may be taken from the area believed to be the deepest portion of the tumor.

FAST TRACK

Horizontal growth is common in sun-exposed sites and occurs slowly; vertical growth is much more aggressive and lethal

For the largest lesions, multiple punch or incisional biopsies may help to reduce the risk of sampling error. Diagnostic and management problems arise when the initial biopsy does not sample the complete skin thickness or when large lesions are not sampled adequately.

Classification of melanoma

The traditional melanoma classification scheme includes several subtypes (see Detailed melanoma classifications). Though these terms have limited clinical utility, we include them for the sake of completeness and because the terminology may arise in consultation with colleagues.

Most important for the prognosis is a determination of the tumor’s depth of invasiveness.

In situ or invasive?

Melanoma in situ lesions are confined to the epidermis and may extend along hair appendages. It often occurs on sun-exposed areas (FIGURES 1 AND 2). Histologically, melanoma in situ is an asymmetric and poorly circumscribed proliferation of melanocytes usually larger than 6 mm in diameter (FIGURE 3).

Melanocytes form irregular nests that are not equidistant and have areas of confluence (FIGURE 3). Single melanocytes predominate over nests in some areas and may entirely replace the basal layer.

Additional histologic features include single melanocytes above the dermal-epidermal junction (Pagetoid spread) and uneven distribution of pigment. In many cases the dermis has inflammatory infiltrates, melanophages, and evidence of solar-damage. Particularly in anatomical areas rich in hair follicles, the neoplastic cells may spread into the epithelium of the hair follicles without extending to the dermis.

Melanoma in situ may be quite large in diameter (horizontal growth phase) without becoming invasive; however, always be concerned about invasion.

Invasive melanoma shares the same histologic features but invades the dermis or subcutaneous fat (vertical growth phase). Aside from the conventional criteria used for the histologic diagnosis of melanoma, acral melanomas may show an increased number of dendritic melanocytes loaded with melanin (FIGURE 4). Desmoplastic melanoma is most commonly found on the head and neck; however, it varies in clinical presentation (FIGURE 5). It is often associated with other types of melanoma, is common in older persons, and has a slight male predilection.

FIGURE 3
Melanocytes

Melanoma in situ stained with routine hematoxylin/eosin on permanent sections. Note confluent nesting of atypical melanocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction (arrow). There are several foci of Pagetoid spread as melanocytes are seen migrating upward toward the surface.

FIGURE 4
Acral melanoma

Acral melanoma lesion on the hand.

FIGURE 5
Dermoplastic melanoma

Desmoplastic melanoma lesion, commonly found on the head and neck.

Microstaging: The key to good management

The categories “superficial spreading” and “nodular” are based on the seminal work of Wallace Clark, who described putative growth phases of cutaneous melanoma.¹² Clark hypothesized that melanoma initially grows horizontally and only later begins an invasive vertical growth phase.

FAST TRACK

Large lesions may require multiple punch biopsies to reduce the risk of sampling error

The horizontal growth phase is common in sun-exposed sites and often occurs over a long period of time. The vertical growth phase is a much more aggressive growth pattern that, if left unchecked, can be lethal. This is often seen in nodular melanoma (FIGURE 6).

Measurement of vertical growth (“microstaging”) is the most important prognostic indicator for localized cutaneous melanoma.¹³

Clark described 5 levels (“Clarks’ levels,” I–V) of invasion (FIGURE 7).

Independently of Clark, Breslow described tumor thickness as an important prognostic factor.^14,15 Breslow thickness is measured from the granular layer of the epidermis to the deepest area of invasion (FIGURE 7). Most reports indicate that, overall, Breslow tumor thickness more closely correlates with clinical outcome.¹⁶

Special circumstances that affect microstaging. Although Clark and Breslow measurements are both conceptually simple, a number of factors, including hair follicle involvement and ulceration, must be considered when measuring melanoma depth. It is often useful to have a Breslow thickness and a Clark’s level for primary cutaneous melanomas (both methods are used for staging thin primary lesions).

The location of the primary lesion affects interpretation of measurement results. For example, a Breslow thickness of 0.5 mm confers a different meaning on the eyelid (very thin skin, Clark’s level proportionately deeper than tumor thickness might indicate) than the back (thick skin, proportionately more superficial Clark’s level than tumor thickness would indicate).

Measurement of vertical involvement is used to stage the tumor with the TNM classification. This was recently updated as outlined by Balch et al¹³ in 2001 (TABLE 1).

FIGURE 6
Nodular melanoma

Nodular melanoma often exhibits aggressive vertical growth.

FIGURE 7
Classifying melanoma: Both Clark’s level and Breslow measurement are often used for staging

Clark’s levels are derived from level of tumor invasion compared with layers of the skin. Tumors are divided into 5 levels. Level I: Tumor cells confined to the epidermis (in situ). Level II: Tumor invades the papillary dermis, past basement membrane. level III: Tumor fills papillary dermis, extends to the between the papillary and reticular dermis. Level IV: Tumor invades reticular dermis. Level V: Tumor invasion of subcutaneous tissue. Breslow’s thickness is a measurement of lesion depth in millimeters. Tumors are classified into 4 categories based on the depth vertically from the top of the granular layer (or base of superficial ulceration) to the deepest point of tumor involvement.

TABLE 1
Using the TNM staging system to determine prognosis for melanoma

T CLASSIFICATION		BRESLOW THICKNESS (MM)					ULCERATION
T1		≤1.0					a: no ulceration and Clark’s level II/III
T1		≤1.0					b: ulceration or Clark’s level IV/V
T2		1.01–2.0					a: no ulceration
T2		1.01–2.0					b: with ulceration
T3		2.01–4.0					a: no ulceration
T3		2.01–4.0					b: with ulceration
T4		>4.0					a: no ulceration
T4		>4.0					b: with ulceration
N CLASSIFICATION		METAST ATIC NODES					NODAL METASTATIC MASS
N1		1 node					a: micrometastasis*
N1		1 node					b: macrometastasis^†
N2		2–3 nodes					a: micrometastasis*
N2		2–3 nodes					b: macrometastasis^†
N3		≥4 metastatic nodes, or matted nodes, or in transit metastases/satellites with metastatic node(s)
M CLASSIFICATION		METASTASES (SITE)					SERUM LDH^‡
M1a		Distal skin, subcutaneous/nodal					Normal
M1b		Lung					Normal
M1c		All other visceral					Normal
M1c		Any visceral					Elevated
*Micrometastases diagnosed after sentinel or elective lymphadenectomy.
^‡Macrometastases defined as clinically detectable nodal metastases confirmed by therapeutic lymphadenectomy or when nodal metastasis exhibits gross extracapsular extension.
^‡LDH, lactate dehydrogenase.
Once the TNM classification has been determined, the combined findings, as shown below, can help you determine a patient’s relative prognosis.
	Clinical Staging			Pathologic Staging			5-year survival (%)
0	Tis	N0	M0	Tis	N0	M0	96–100
IA	T1a	N0	M0	T1a	N0	M0	95
IB	T1b	N0	M0	T1b	N0	M0	90
	T2a	N0	M0	T2a	N0	M0
IIA	T2b	N0	M0	T2b	N0	M0	78
	T3a	N0	M0	T3a	N0	M0
IIB	T3b	N0	M0	T3b	N0	M0	65
	T4a	N0	M0	T4a	N0	M0
IIC	T4b	N0	M0	T4b	N0	M0	45
III	Any T	Any N	M0
IIIA	T1-4a	N1a	M0	66
	T1-4a	N2a	M0
IIIB	T1-4b	N1a	M0	52
	T1-4b	N2a	M0
	T1-4a	N1b	M0
	T1-4a	N2b	M0
	T1-4a	N2c	M0
	T1-4b	N2c	M0
IIIC	T1-4b	N1b	M0	26
	T1-4b	N2b	M0
	Any T	N3	M0
IV	Any T	Any N	Any M	Any T	Any N	Any M	7.5–11

Preferred management and contingencies

Primary treatment for cutaneous melanoma is wide local excision of the primary site.

How wide should excision margins be? The appropriate margin of normal skin (measured from the biopsy scar or lateral border of residual melanoma) varies with Breslow tumor thickness.¹⁷ With thin and intermediate thickness, a surgical margin encompassing 1 cm of normal skin is the consensus.¹⁷ For thicker lesions, many authorities recommend a 2-cm margin. A 1-cm margin may be inadequate due to the risk of local recurrence; however, whether a 2 cm or 3 cm margin is optimal remains unclear.^18,19TABLE 2 reviews treatment guidelines for surgical excision of primary cutaneous melanoma.^20-24

Biopsied tissue submitted as permanent sections. The planned primary excision site should be oriented and submitted to pathology in formalin for permanent section examination. Frozen sections are generally not recommended; when the pathologist assesses surgical margin status, scattered melanocytes in adjacent sun-damaged skin may lead to uncertainty. Moreover, artifacts from the freezing process make interpretation difficult.

2 qualifiers for the above advice: immunostains have increased the utility of frozen sections, and frozen sections were not used in the clinical trials from which current treatment options were derived. These considerations apply particularly to the use of frozen section analysis in Mohs micrographic surgery (see below).

FAST TRACK

Even with a negative biopsy result, repeat the biopsy if you remain suspicious of a lesion’s clinical appearance

The wide local excision specimen can be examined by multiple surgical pathology orientation methods. In many cases, if the primary lesion was completely excised by the initial biopsy, the pathologist will examine the area of the biopsy scar for residual melanoma and select portions of the lateral margins for examination. Alternatively, the entire lesion, all of the margins, or even the entire specimen may be submitted for examination depending on the clinical circumstances and concerns of the pathologist and surgeon, such as incomplete removal at the time of initial biopsy or close deep or lateral margins. Communication between surgeon and pathologist must be clear and unambiguous.

Immunohistochemical techniques and antibody testing

Examining multiple sections from the tissue block and adding immunohistochemical stains greatly increase sensitivity for metastatic melanoma.^37-40 Cochran et al⁴¹ originally demonstrated the importance of immunohistochemistry in the pathology examination of lymph nodes. From 2227 lymph nodes removed from 100 patients, they found that 16 additional lymph nodes in 14 patients contained metastatic melanoma when examined with S-100 immunohistostains. Using additional antibodies more recently (see below), these authors reported that up to 12% of metastatic melanoma deposits can be missed by experienced pathologists without the aid of immunohistochemistry.⁴²

Though no antibody is both highly sensitive and specific for malignant melanoma (versus normal melanocytes), the antibodies most commonly used in immunohistochemistry include S-100 (a neuroectodermal tissue maker expressed in nerves, melanocytes, histiocytes and dendritic cells in lymph nodes), HMB 45 (recognizes an oligosaccharide side chain present in immature melanosomes), Melan-A (recognizes the MART-1 protein), and tyrosinase (recognizing the enzyme tyrosinase required for melanin synthesis). S-100, although very sensitive, is not a melanocyte-specific antibody. The remaining antibodies, though melanocyte specific, are non-reactive in 5% to 15% of cutaneous malignant melanoma.⁴²

Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) for MRNA for melanocyte-associated proteins further increases sensitivity, detecting positive nodal cells when routine hematoxylin/eosin and immunohistochemical methods do not. The clinical utility of molecular methods for diagnosis and patient management has not been established; these techniques are the subject of ongoing clinical trials.⁴³

In retrospect, it is clear that the standard techniques used to examine lymph nodes taken from regional lymph node dissections underestimate the presence of micrometastatic disease. one could argue, in fact, that the sole advantage of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy has been to allow the pathologist to perform a focused, extensive examination on 1-3 lymph nodes – an examination that would be impractical (and prohibitively expensive) on a standard regional lymph node dissection specimen. Interestingly, the idea that additional sections from lymph nodes will increase the detection rate of metastatic tumor is not new and was well-known to the surgeons and pathologists involved in the pioneering work on sentinel lymph node biopsy.⁴¹

Mohs micrographic surgery increasingly used for melanoma.^25-31 This procedure may be performed with frozen or permanent sections, using concomitant immunohistochemical staining with either method of embedding. This has been especially useful in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ear, nose, genitalia, and extremities.³⁰ Mohs micrographic surgery with permanent sections also makes possible the most definitive surgical margin analysis.

TABLE 2
Recommended incision margins

BRESLOW THICKNESS	EXCISION MARGINS (CM)
In situ	0.5
<1 mm	1
1–4 mm	1–2
>4 mm	2–3

Sentinel lymph node biopsy

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy have significantly changed the initial approach to the patient with melanoma and have reinvigorated debate over the importance and management of regional lymph nodes in cutaneous malignant melanoma. The anatomic basis of, and techniques for, lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy are well-described elsewhere and are not reviewed here.³²

Risk factors

Risk factors for melanoma include a personal or family history of melanoma and the presence of multiple nevi. Nevi are considered risk factors if an individual has many or if the nevi are unusual in appearance or size. Other risk factors include fair complexion, excessive sun exposure, history of severe sunburns, use of tanning booths, immunosuppression and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.¹

Ultraviolet light exposure remains the most well-described risk factor for the development of cutaneous melanoma; however, the pathogenesis remains largely unknown.^3,4 This is especially true in patients with increased ultraviolet sensitivity secondary to fair skin type and a tendency to burn. The use of sunscreen is recommended for prevention of all types of skin cancer; however, its use may promote increased ultraviolet exposure from a false sense of protection.^5,6 Additionally, proper application (i.e. frequent reapplication) is seldom performed.

Histolopathologic data from regional lymph nodes is the most important prognostic factor for cutaneous melanoma,¹³ and sentinel lymph node biopsy is proven as a staging procedure—as reflected in the revised AJCC TNM Staging System published in 2001 (TABLES 1 AND 2).¹³ This staging system differs from the previous one in several ways:

FAST TRACK

Thickness and ulceration are the primary predictors of survival with localized melanoma

Thickness and ulceration are the primary predictors of survival with localized melanoma (stages I and II)
Number of metastatic lymph nodes involved and tumor burden are most important predictors of survival in stage III melanoma
Anatomic site of metastasis (distant) and presence/absence of elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are primary predictors of survival with stage IV melanoma
Ulceration should prompt an overall upstaging for melanoma stages I–III
Satellite metastases around a primary melanoma and in-transit metastases together indicate a stage III melanoma
Staging decisions are based on sentinel node biopsy/lymphatic mapping.¹³

Multiple studies have reviewed the changes between the new and old TNM staging systems for melanoma.¹³

When to biopsy. Clinical experience supports reserving lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node mapping for patients with primary lesions 1 mm or thicker. Some authorities have recommended sentinel lymph node biopsy for lesions <1 mm thick if they are ulcerated or if a discrepancy exists between the Breslow tumor thickness and Clark’s level. For such lesions, biopsy has been recommended for Clark’s level >III.³³

FAST TRACK

A negative lymph node biopsy does not guarantee a metastasis has not occurred

Though sentinel lymph node biopsy can be performed successfully after wide local excision, doing it before excision will prevent disruption of lymphatics for node mapping.³⁴ The sentinel lymph node should be submitted to pathology for permanent section analysis. Frozen section analysis is not recommended for melanoma due to its lower sensitivity.³⁵

Though not widely adopted, some surgeons use intraoperative touch prep cytology as part of an initial intraoperative evaluation.³⁶ If the surgeon is prepared to proceed with regional node dissection and a “black” grossly involved node is encountered, intraoperative frozen section may be used to confirm metastastic melanoma. Neither touch preps nor frozen sections are likely to demonstrate the small, isolated metastatic tumor cells commonly identified in small, grossly normal lymph nodes.

What to expect from the pathologist. If blue dye is used for localization, the pathologist should document the presence of that color in the lymph nodes submitted. Outside of a clinical trial, fresh lymph node tissue is not usually preserved for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other molecular methods for detecting tumor cells.

Although examination techniques vary in some details among institutions, general principles are well accepted and include submission of the entire lymph node, step or serial sections, and, when initial sections do not reveal metastatic tumor, use of immunohistochemistry for melanocyte-associated antigens (see Immunohistochemical techniques and antibody testing).

Fine points regarding interpretation of sentinel lymph nodes. First, the rationale behind biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes is that the lymphatic system is a potential means of metastasis. However, it is not the only means of spread. Hematogenous and tissue spread are potential mechanisms as well.

FAST TRACK

Patients with a metastatic melanoma in a sentinel lymph node are advised to have node dissection; but few data address survival

Second, the lymphatic system acts as a drain but not a dam for lymphatic flow. Thus a negative lymph node biopsy does not guarantee that a metastasis has not already occurred.

Third, the increased sensitivity of identification of positive sentinel lymph nodes with more specific tests (ie, immunohistochemistry, PCR, rtPCR) calls a negative result into question. A sentinel lymph node that is “negative” with immunohistochemistry may in fact be positive with gene amplification techniques (PCR, rtPCR).

Fourth, surgeons performing sentinel node biopsies vary in thoroughness when identifying which node or nodes contain the dye. Lymphoscintigraphy is more accurate than using dyes; however, many surgeons use both.⁴⁴ Thus, while sentinel node biopsy has demonstrated a role in staging, its use and the interpretation of results must be performed with these variables in mind.

Regional lymph node dissection: Does it benefit patients?

Patients found to have metastatic melanoma in a sentinel lymph node are advised to undergo regional lymph node dissection. Unfortunately, few data address survival with this therapy. The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy and elective lymph node dissection in the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma generates debate, much of which focuses on alternate interpretations of the data from the era of elective lymph node dissection for intermediate-thickness melanoma.

The debate over elective lymph node dissection has been summarized by others in detail.⁴⁷

Proponents of an aggressive strategy correctly point out that data from trials are simply not comparable to what is seen in the current era of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Opponents of an aggressive strategy, who are numerous and vocal,^48-50 correctly observe that no survival benefit has been demonstrated for any treatment strategy based on regional lymph node dissection. However, to be balanced, such long-term outcome data are simply not yet available. Certainly questions will continue to arise regarding the theoretical validity and cost-effectiveness of sentinel lymph node biopsy.^48,49,51

How good is adjuvant therapy?

Adjuvant therapy for cutaneous melanoma can include regional external beam radiation, systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Radiation has a limited role, being used postoperatively to treat regional lymph node dissection beds at high risk of recurrence and to treat locally recurrent and in-transit disease.⁵²

FAST TRACK

Systemic cytotoxin has not been effective as adjuvant therapy

Systemic cytotoxin (often dacarbazine) has not been effective as adjuvant therapy.⁵³ When combined chemo- and immunotherapy is used for metastatic disease, it is with the hope of discovering an effective combination that might also be used in the adjuvant setting.⁵⁴ However, it has been the initial success with immunotherapy that frames the debate regarding adjuvant systemic therapy for cutaneous malignant melanoma.

High-dose interferon alpha 2b. For thick or node-positive cutaneous malignant melanoma, a statistically significant increase in overall survival with high-dose interferon alpha 2b was demonstrated in a landmark Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trial.⁵⁵ Though the results have been confirmed in other trials, the clinical benefit is still debated. The expense and toxicity of the trial, as well as the absence of benefit in a second ECOG trial of high-dose systemic therapy, have contributed to the uncertainty.⁵⁶

FAST TRACK

Low-dose interferon alpha 2b has been used to reduce toxicity, but it is ineffective

In an effort to reduce toxicity, low-dose systemic interferon alpha 2b has been tested in numerous trials and found to be of no benefit.⁵⁶ High-dose alpha 2b interferon therapy continues to be a focus of active clinical investigation by national and international cooperative groups. In addition to high-dose systemic interferon, a large number of immunotherapeutic approaches for the systemic treatment of melanoma have been devised and are under active investigation, including non-specific immune adjuvants such as Bacile Calmette-Guerin, levaminsole, vaccines prepared from autologous melanoma cells and vaccines designed against chemically defined antigens (gangliocides).⁵⁷ Because of the controversies surrounding adjuvant systemic therapy, patients are best served by participating in an ongoing clinical trial if the expense and toxicity of high dose systemic interferon alpha 2b are deemed to be unacceptable.

Acknowledgments

We thank Brian C. Brockway, M.S. (Department of Medical Media, Veterans affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia) for illustrations.

CORRESPONDENCE
Joshua E. Lane, MD, 308 Hospital Drive, Suite 200, Macon, GA 31217. E-mail: joshua.lane@lycos.com

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Author and Disclosure Information

Joshua E. Lane, MD
Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Surgery, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Ga; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

Rory R. Dalton, MD
Department of Pathology, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

Omar P. Sangueza, MD
Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

The authors have no financial, commercial or proprietary interests to disclose.

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The Journal of Family Practice - 56(1)

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The Journal of Family Practice

MDedge Family Medicine

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18-28

Read more about Cutaneous melanoma: Detecting it earlier, weighing management options

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Author and Disclosure Information

Joshua E. Lane, MD
Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Surgery, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Ga; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

Rory R. Dalton, MD
Department of Pathology, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

Omar P. Sangueza, MD
Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

The authors have no financial, commercial or proprietary interests to disclose.

Author and Disclosure Information

Joshua E. Lane, MD
Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Surgery, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Ga; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

Rory R. Dalton, MD
Department of Pathology, The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta

Omar P. Sangueza, MD
Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

The authors have no financial, commercial or proprietary interests to disclose.

Article PDF

5601JFP_Article1.pdf

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5601JFP_Article1.pdf

Practice recommendations

Arrange a biopsy of any pigmented lesion that changes significantly on serial examinations.
Full-thickness excisional biopsy is preferred; for large lesions, incisional or punch biopsy at the deepest point of the tumor may be an option.
For thin lesions, a surgical margin encompassing 1 cm normal skin is recommended.
Specimens submitted in formalin for permanent sections are preferred to frozen sections.