Shave procedures in the management of skin lesions where melanoma is a differential diagnosis.

Abstract

Background: Australia has the world's highest melanoma incidence. Diagnostic aids improve melanoma diagnosis, but most lesions excised on suspicion of being melanoma are benign. Reliance on formal ellipse is common.

Objective: We explore the utility of shave procedures in melanoma management.

Discussion: The topic of shave procedures in the management of melanoma is controversial and attracts strongly held views both for and against. The available data shows that shaves can be employed safely and produce an acceptable cosmetic outcome with low financial costs while also being a time-efficient procedure both for the patient and the clinician alike.