USEFULNESS OF THE STAGED EXCISION FOR LENTIGO MALIGNA AND LENTIGO MALIGNA MELANOMA - THE SQUARE PROCEDURE

Background: Management of lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna mel anoma (LMM) may present problems because of the characteristic, yet un predictable, subclinical peripheral and periadnexal extension of atypi cal junctional melanocytic hyperplasia beyond the visible margins. Obj ective: We used paraffin-embedded (permanent) peripheral vertical sect ion margin control in a staged fashion in the management of LM and LMM . Methods: We used a modification of surgical excision in a staged fas hion by means of a two-bladed knife with permanent peripheral vertical section margin control. Results: This method is technically easy and results in complete histologic evaluation of the peripheral margins wi thout compromising the measurement of tumor thickness of the primary m elanoma. Conclusion: The use of the ''square'' procedure, a staged exc ision with permanent peripheral vertical section margin control, is us eful in the management of LM and LMM.