Factors Influencing the Use of Shave Biopsy for Lesions Suspicious of Melanoma in Australia: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study

Background

Recent Australian trends indicate that shave biopsies for diagnosing lesions suspicious of melanoma are increasing, yet reasons for this remain relatively unknown. We sought to understand which factors influence Australian clinicians' use of shave biopsy for managing thin lesions suspicious of melanoma in sites of low cosmetic sensitivity.

Methods

We used a convergent, exploratory mixed-methods design, with a cross-sectional online survey (n = 59) and semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 15). We recruited clinicians working in skin cancer medicine across Australia, mostly general practitioners (> 80%) with some dermatologists (n = 7 survey and n = 1 interview participant). Survey participants indicated how frequently they used shave biopsies and rated the importance of factors when considering the use of a shave biopsy. Interview participants elaborated on the motivating factors for using different biopsy techniques. Qualitative data were professionally transcribed and analysed with content analysis.

Results

Most survey participants (95%) reported that identifying fewer signs of locally advanced melanoma was ‘very important’ for using shave biopsy. Fifty per cent of survey participants also reported that faster procedure speed and greater convenience were ‘very important’ reasons for using shave biopsy. Procedure speed was particularly important for using shave biopsy among clinicians self-identifying as time-poor. Interview participants noted (a) the risk of transecting the lesion base or (b) incomplete lesion removal from shave biopsies as reasons against their use.

Conclusions

The relative speed and convenience of shave biopsies in clinical practice are strong motivators for their use. Further evidence on patient outcomes with widespread use of shave biopsy is required to inform clinical guidelines.