A 25-year-old female complains of a mole on her upper back. The lesion is 6 mm in diameter, darkly pigmented, and asymmetric, with a very irregular border. The next step in management is:
Ans. D. Obtain full-thickness excisional biopsya. The lesion has characteristics of melanoma (pigmentation, asymmetry, irregular border), and a full-thickness excisional biopsy is required. Shave biopsy of a suspected melanoma is always contraindicated.b. Diagnosis is urgent; the lesion cannot be observed over time. Once the diagnosis of melanoma is made, the tumor must then be staged to determine prognosis and treatment.
Tell the patient to avoid sunlight
Follow the lesion for any evidence of growth
Obtain metastatic workup
Obtain full-thickness excisional biopsy
Miscellaneous