Importance of Biopsies

There are two kinds of biopsies that are performed to diagnose melanoma: excisional biopsy and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. An excisional biopsy is done to find out whether a mole is actually melanoma. An SLN biopsy is done after melanoma is diagnosed, to find out whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.

Glossary
Biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tumor tissue for diagnosis by microscopic examination.
Excisional Biopsy
A surgical procedure in which a tumor is removed and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Melanoma
A highly malignant type of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually begins in a mole.
Mole
A cluster of melanocytes and surrounding supportive tissue that usually appears as a tan, brown, or flesh-colored spot on the skin. Also called a nevus.
SLN Biopsy
A surgical procedure in which lymph nodes that drain a tumor are identified and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.