Peer Reviewed
Perspectives on dermoscopy

Pigmented lesions and the perils of partial biopsy

Sarah Edwards, Alex J Chamberlain
Abstract
This case illustrates a potential pitfall of partial biopsy and highlights the importance of adequate clinicopathological correlation in the assessment of atypical melanocytic lesions.
Key Points

    The ideal mode of biopsy for skin lesions suspected of being melanoma is a full-thickness excisional biopsy with narrow margins (2 mm). Partial biopsies, such as shave and punch biopsies, are generally not recommended, except for certain scenarios where a compromise is acceptable.

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