The frequency of residual lentigo maligna suggests a benefit from 100% margin control during re-excision with Mohs surgery.
Wide local excision (WLE) is the standard of care for histologically confirmed, primary cutaneous melanoma. However, there is little available evidence for assessing the prevalence of residual disease.
Bolshinsky and colleagues conducted a retrospective study of a cohort of 807 consecutive melanomas removed by WLE following biopsy diagnosis. Standard excision margins were 5 mm for lentigo maligna (LM) and correspondingly more for invasive melanomas of different depths. A total of 34 cases (4.2%) were found to have positive margins after WLE, with approximately two thirds of these being melanoma in situ and one third, invasive melanoma.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)