Abstract
“The SCC Biopsy Tool” (name provided by current authors) is a double-bladed scalpel handle (manufactured and distributed by Surgidental Instruments, Deer Park, NY, USA) with two No. 11 scalpel blades (Swann-Morton, Sheffield, England) set in parallel, 1.5 mm apart (Figure 1). It provides an alternative to other partial biopsy methods and provides advantages over established techniques of shave and punch biopsy, particularly in differentiating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from keratoacanthoma (KA) on the leg and foot. The method of obtaining a full-thickness sample across the total width of a lesion with histologic sectioning in a longitudinal plane enables both architecture and cytology to be assessed accurately; precisely the requirement for distinguishing SCC from KA. The advantage over traditional incisional biopsy with a single blade is precision of parallel edges in a situation where central keratin provides an obstacle to such precision.
Highlights
The double-bladed scalpel was originally used in 1977 by Coiffman to harvest strip grafts for hair transplantation [1]
“The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) Biopsy Tool” is a double-bladed scalpel handle with two No 11 scalpel blades (Swann-Morton, Sheffield, England) set in parallel, 1.5 mm apart (Figure 1)
It provides an alternative to other partial biopsy methods and provides advantages over established techniques of shave and punch biopsy, in differentiating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from keratoacanthoma (KA) on the leg and foot
Summary
The double-bladed scalpel was originally used in 1977 by Coiffman to harvest strip grafts for hair transplantation [1]. Due to the properties of skin of the leg and foot, excisional biopsy at these locations may require a complex closure with a significant risk of flap or graft failure, and for this reason we believe an effective but minimally invasive biopsy method is desirable. The authors do not recommend incisional biopsies for suspected KA/SCC if a full excisional biopsy can be performed. The authors do not recommend observation for resolution if any high risk features are present, e.g., location on head and neck or with perineural infiltration. The authors especially recommend incisional biopsies using the double-bladed technique on the leg and foot where primary closure of an excisional biopsy site may not be feasible
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
