Fusiform incisional biopsy for pigmented skin lesions

Current recommendations for biopsy of a pigmented skin lesion suspected of being melanoma include complete excision when possible. Because benign pigm ented lesions do not warrant excisional biopsy, especially when they are la rge and/or on cosmetically sensitive sites, incisional biopsy is desirable. For such lesions we recommend a fusiform incisional biopsy. This tissue sa mpling technique not only yields an excellent cosmetic outcome, but also pr ovides the pathologist with an optimal biopsy specimen in which he/she can assess the symmetry, circumscription, breadth, and depth of the lesion.