Marking a surgical margin for excision of a keratinocyte cancer

Abstract

Background: The size of the measured margin for excision of a keratinocyte cancer is often discussed; however, a technique for marking the skin is rarely described.

Objective: The aim of this article is to describe a method for marking a lesion for excision.

Discussion: The key to surgical excision of a keratinocyte cancer is the assessment of the tumour border in good light under loupe magnification and delineation using a skin marker. The surgical margin is then added around the lesion. Often an elliptical excision is performed, with lesions excised adhering to the drawn line and then closed appropriately.