Nonexcisional treatment of benign and premalignant cutaneous lesions.

The correct diagnosis of benign and premalignant cutaneous lesions requires appropriate biopsy techniques that reflect an understanding of the specific cutaneous pathology. Violation of the basement membrane zone generally results in scarring. Knowledge of the healing processes of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis permit the least destructive diagnostic and treatment techniques, resulting in the best functional and cosmetic results. Excessive scarring or procedures inappropriate to the lesion under consideration should be avoided.