[The feasibility of the razor-blade shave technique in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant skin lesions on the face]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Jul 9;149(28):1561-7.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

The razor-blade shave technique uses a slightly-curved classic razor blade to shave and remove the exophytic part of a skin lesion and part of the intradermal structure down to the stratum papillare. It can then be sent for pathology investigations. This treatment is curative for many benign skin conditions. The cosmetic result ofthe razor-blade technique is superior to that of surgical excision. The razor-blade technique is useful as a biopsy instrument in the diagnosis of skin rumours of unknown nature, especially in keratoacanthomas. The technique is very easy and cheap. However, if the skin lesion is a suspected malignant melanoma, traditional surgical excision should be performed. The shave technique is not suitable for malignant skin tumours.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy / instrumentation
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Esthetics
  • Humans
  • Keratoacanthoma / pathology
  • Keratoacanthoma / therapy*
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology
  • Nevus, Pigmented / surgery
  • Nevus, Pigmented / therapy
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome