Biopsy techniques for pigmented lesions of the skin

Proper biopsy techniques for pigmented skin lesions are critical to early detection and treatment of malignant melanoma. Complete surgical excision allows evaluation of size, symmetry, circumscription, and maturation, whereas partial biopsies may result in misinterpretation because of sampling error or inadequate architectural detail. The author briefly reviews standard techniques for excisional biopsy and addresses special clinical scenarios in which incisional or partial biopsies may be necessary.