Relation between the extent of resection of cutaneous melanomas and the incidence of local recurrence

Under study was the influence of the volume of a dissected primary tumor, the method of plasty of the wound defect and anesthesia upon the incidence of local recidivations of cutaneous melanoma in 1334 patients. Free skin plasty was shown to be necessary in cases of the surgical treatment of cutaneous melanoma excepting localization of the primary tumor on the trunk. Parsimonious excision of the primary tumor and local infiltration anesthesia during operation are thought to be the factors responsible for the development of local recidivation of skin melanomas.