| Physicians may choose to screen patients with a total-body skin examination, especially those at higher risk (evidence insufficient to recommend for or against). | C | 8 |
| Suspicious lesions should undergo full thickness biopsy into the underlying subcutaneous tissue with a 1- to 2-mm border. | C | 11 |
| Shave biopsies should never be used if melanoma is suspected. | C | 11 |
| Surgical resection with wide margins (greater than 3 cm) no longer is recommended. | A | 29,30 |
| Recommended margins are 0.5 cm for melanoma in situ, 1 cm for melanomas with a Breslow thickness of 0.5 to 1 mm, and 2 cm for melanomas with a Breslow thickness greater than 1 mm. | B | 29–31 |
| Nodal evaluation is recommended in patients with melanomas at least 1 mm in thickness. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in patients with intermediate thickness melanoma (1 to 4 mm) and clinically negative nodes. | B | 33,37,38 |
| Patients with melanoma need intensive follow-up, especially during the first two to three years after diagnosis. | C | 41 |
| Educational and policy changes in elementary schools and similar interventions for adults in recreational settings can increase sun-protective behaviors and are recommended. | C | 5 |