American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What surgical procedure is typically performed for melanoma located on the scalp or face, anterior to the ear and above the lip?

1. Wide local excision

2. Superficial parotidectomy

3. Sentinel lymph node biopsy

4. Radical neck dissection

The correct answer is: Superficial parotidectomy

The surgical procedure that is typically performed for melanoma located on the scalp or face, particularly in regions such as anterior to the ear and above the lip, is a superficial parotidectomy. This approach is particularly relevant when melanoma is present in areas where there is a risk of involvement of the parotid gland, which is situated in proximity to the ear. In cases of melanoma on the face or scalp, the importance of excising the tumor along with surrounding tissues to ensure clear margins and reduce the risk of recurrence is vital. The superficial parotidectomy allows for the removal of the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, along with the surrounding lymphatic drainage, which can be affected by the malignancy. This procedure balances the need for disease control while attempting to preserve function and appearance in such a cosmetically sensitive area. The other procedures, while relevant to melanoma management, do not specifically address the situation as effectively. For instance, wide local excision is important for clear margins but may not be sufficient alone if the parotid gland is involved. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a staging procedure rather than a primary treatment method, and radical neck dissection is generally reserved for more advanced cases of melanoma with regional metastasis, rather than