Surgical management of suspicious melanocytic lesions in Italy

Objective: In melanoma, the surgical approach is important for both diagnosis and therapy. Although surgery is relatively simple, the methods should be performed by experts in melanoma management. We analyze the techniques and methods used in the Italian hospital network for suspicious skin lesions and confirmed melanomas. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted of a representative sample of 120 hospitals with >=200 beds. Results: Excision biopsies remove suspected melanomas. However, some approaches to excision margins and sentinel lymph node procedures differ from international protocols. Overall, 21% of centers perform excisional biopsy of a suspicious lesion using 1 cm margins, and 22% of centers perform sentinel node procedures concurrently with removal of primary melanoma. Conclusions: Standardized treatment protocols are needed for suspicious lesions and clinically evident melanoma, particularly regarding the critical aspect of excision margins. The sentinel lymph node procedure may be distorted by initial margins that are too wide. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.