Tumours

The commonest skin tumour is perhaps the basal cell carcinoma, which comes in a variety of types that range from the simple nodular BCC that is easy to excise to others that may infiltrate widely beyond the clinically obvious lesion. Mohs’ micrographic surgery can be used to ensure clear margins and complete removal of the tumour which otherwise might be prone to recur.

Malignant melanoma is widely recognised these days. Patients know that a changing or abnormally pigmented lesion should be examined and possibly biopsied. The Dermatopathologist’s task is to distinguish between the relatively rare, but potentially life threatening, malignant melanoma and the many lesser pigmented lesions that do not have malignant potential and will be cured by complete local excision.