THE SURGERY OF PRIMARY MELANOMA

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Abstract
This paper is based on a study of 1,514 patients registered by the Queensland Melanoma Project between July, 1963, and December, 1969. A confident clinical diagnosis of malignant melanoma is possible in the majority of cases by close inspection of the tumour, particularly if there is a history of change in its size, elevation, colour or surface characteristics. In doubtful cases, a biopsy with or without frozen section is indicated, but is best carried out by the surgeon responsible for definitive treatment. The extent of local surgery necessary is controversial and depends on the clinical and pathological features of the tumour, its anatomical situation and the age and sex of the patient. The regional nodes should be excised if they are clinically involved or suspected to be so. If the draining nodes are apparently normal, observation is recommended in preference to elective dissection, except in special circumstances.

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