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Histologic Processing and Evaluation of Surgical Excision Specimens

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Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

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Abstract

Lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) are often characterized by extensive subclinical extension, complicating the surgical treatment of this melanoma subtype. Standard surgical margins have proven ineffective in achieving adequate clearance, and margin-controlled surgical techniques such as staged excision and Mohs micrographic surgery have largely replaced standard excision as the gold standard for care. Each of these margin-controlled methods has variations in the surgical technique and histologic processing of the excision specimen but the common goal is to examine surgical margins in a meticulous manner prior to reconstruction. It is imperative that the surgeon has a thorough understanding of the varied histologic processing methods available, along with the advantages, limitations, and potential pitfalls of each, in order to optimize tumor clearance and long term cure rates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 16 E 60th Street, New York, 10022, NY, USA

    Cerrene N. Giordano MD, Karen L. Connolly MD & Kishwer S. Nehal MD

  2. Dermatopathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Klaus J. Busam MD

Authors
  1. Cerrene N. Giordano MD
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  2. Karen L. Connolly MD
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  3. Klaus J. Busam MD
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  4. Kishwer S. Nehal MD
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Correspondence to Kishwer S. Nehal MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Attending Physician, Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA

    Kishwer S. Nehal

  2. Attending Pathologist Director of Dermatopathology Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA

    Klaus J. Busam

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Giordano, C.N., Connolly, K.L., Busam, K.J., Nehal, K.S. (2017). Histologic Processing and Evaluation of Surgical Excision Specimens. In: Nehal, K., Busam, K. (eds) Lentigo Maligna Melanoma. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-43787-3_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-43787-3_8

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