Reconstruction Principles of Localized Non-melanoma Skin Cancer and Cutaneous Melanoma

This chapter will mainly concentrate on basic principles for biopsy and excision of the primary tumour as well as lymph nodes and finally the reconstruction of malignant cutaneous tumours. Special reconstructive techniques for localized skin cancers of the respective body parts as well as the detailed surgical management of lymph nodes will be introduced in the following chapters. As the title of this chapter already suggests, cutaneous melanomas (CMs) are regarded as a special entity within the groups of malignant skin tumours due to their specific pathogenesis and treatment. They resemble the most feared malignant tumour with considerable morbidity and mortality.