Surgical Management of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma

Primary cutaneous melanomas are potentially curative with surgical excision alone. Surgical management is based on several factors determined from the initial biopsy, including primary tumor thickness, histologic features including ulceration, and anatomic location. Cosmesis, although important, should be a secondary consideration as oncologic principles take precedence. Pathology has evolved to synoptic reporting with key variables to assist in staging and risk stratification.