Treatment of the primary in malignant melanoma of the skin.

Surgical excisional therapy of malignant melanoma is the primary method of treatment for malignant melanoma. The exact size of the excisional therapy depends on the depth and location of the tumor. At the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL), tumors less than 0.76 mm in depth are resected with a 1-cm margin and tumors greater than 0.76 mm in depth are resected with a 3-cm margin. The location of the tumor also determines the exact margin of excision. Maximal reconstructive efforts following general principles of plastic and reconstructive surgery are noted and used for producing an optimal functional and aesthetic result.