The Australasian journal of dermatology
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Australas. J. Dermatol. · May 2020
Think before you shave: Factors influencing choice of biopsy technique for invasive melanoma and effect on definitive management.
Partial biopsies are sometimes used for melanoma diagnosis with anticipated time and cost savings compared to excisional biopsy. However, their impact on subsequent melanoma management is unknown. Determine factors related to choice of partial over excisional biopsy to diagnose invasive melanoma and examine the effect of partial biopsies on definitive melanoma management. ⋯ Diagnostic suspicion does not appear to be a major factor influencing choice of biopsy technique. Using partial biopsy to diagnose melanoma often leads to an extra procedure for definitive treatment compared with excisional biopsy.