Most Australian dermatologists would consider shave excision biopsy for a lower risk pigmented lesion, despite the procedure being controversial, a survey shows.

Two Brisbane dermatologists carried out the survey, sent to 500 practising fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

The 122 respondents, 72% of whom reported having more than ten years’ experience of shave excision, were asked how they would treat a hypothetical pigmented lesion that was less than 1cm in diameter on the limbs or trunk.

They were given a scenario where the differential diagnosis “included dysplastic/atypical naevus in situ or at worst early invasive melanoma where you felt initial excision with narrow margins was indicated”.