Biopsy and survival of malignant melanoma.

Primary excisional biopsy is recommended as the procedure of choice whenever there is any suspicion of malignant melanoma. Evaluation of the total architecture of the lesion is necessary to make a satisfactory pathologic diagnosis and prognosis. Moreover, the risk of local tumor recurrence and metastatic potential can be increased by incisional procedures. Awareness of these potential hazards should provoke reappraisal of management of primary melanomas.