Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Soft Tissue Masses — Nevus Diagnosis
ABCDE, dermoscopy, and biopsy pathway
Pigmented lesion work-up starts with examination; dermoscopy is the first differentiation tool. Suspicious lesions need punch or excisional biopsy for pathology. General surgery often joins after diagnosis or when wide excision is planned.
Outcomes of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. Please seek a detailed consultation with your physician before any procedure.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Nevus diagnosis.
Key points
- Key note inside
ABCDE and clinical warning signs
Asymmetry, irregular borders, color change, diameter over 6 mm, and evolution raise melanoma concern. New lesions in adults, bleeding, or rapid growth need urgent review.
Dermoscopy
Dermatoscopic patterns help separate benign from suspicious lesions. Digital dermoscopy allows serial comparison.
Biopsy types
Punch or excisional biopsy is used when malignancy is suspected. Complete excision for diagnosis is sometimes chosen — margin width is planned after pathology.
- Key note inside
Pathology and staging
Confirmed melanoma uses Breslow thickness, ulceration, and staging to set next steps including sentinel node and oncology referral.
Frequently asked questions
Can a GP diagnose melanoma by eye alone?
Exam helps but dermoscopy and pathology confirm the diagnosis — do not rely on appearance alone.
More chapters in this hub
Lipoma
Benign fatty masses — when to observe or excise
Skin Cysts
Epidermoid and pilar cysts — inflammation, infection, and excision
General Diagnosis
Lipoma and skin cysts — exam, ultrasound, MRI
General Treatment
Lipoma and skin cysts — observation and excision
Nevus
Suspicious pigmented lesions — ABCDE and excision
Nevus Treatment
Excision, wide local excision, and follow-up
Liposarcoma
Deep fatty malignancy — not a lipoma
Liposarcoma Diagnosis
MRI, biopsy, and tumor board
Liposarcoma Treatment
Wide excision, radiotherapy, and surveillance
Retroperitoneal Masses
Deep abdominal tumors — imaging and resection
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.