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Ultraviolet-assisted punch biopsy mapping for lentigo maligna melanoma
T T Jeneby1, B Chang, L P Bucky
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|May 16, 2001
Summary
Ultraviolet-assisted punch biopsy mapping accurately identifies lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) margins, reducing recurrence risk. This technique ensures clear surgical borders, minimizing the need for repeat excisions in head and neck melanoma cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) frequently recurs locally, particularly on the head and neck.
- Difficulty in defining LMM borders contributes to high local recurrence rates.
Observation:
- A retrospective study evaluated 20 patients with biopsy-confirmed LMM of the head and neck.
- Ultraviolet-assisted punch biopsy mapping used 2-mm biopsies at pigmented/non-pigmented borders to identify clear margins.
Findings:
- 14 of 20 patients achieved clear margins after the first biopsy series.
- No patients required reexcision for positive margins, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up (mean 1 year).
- A single complication of local cellulitis occurred.
Implications:
- Ultraviolet-assisted punch biopsy mapping is a safe and accurate method for determining LMM histological margins.
- This technique effectively reduces repeat surgical excisions and may lower recurrence rates.
- Accurate margin identification is crucial for functional and cosmetic outcomes in head and neck LMM treatment.