Is a biopsy done on susp. nodular melanoma or is it removed straight away? i have a 7mm wide black spot on toe and its scaring me witless

It should be excised: Complete excision of this lesion is the way to find out if it is a melanoma. There is no use in doing a biopsy on a mole that is so small(.

Dysplastic pigmented: Any dysplastic pigmented lesion should be excised - the smaller ones usually by excisional biopsy and the larger ones may need incisional biopsies. Excision of lesions in difficult areas or closure of defects in primary areas (face, hands ; feet, genitalia etc) that may require flaps or grafts are best dealt by plastic surgeons or dermatologists.

BIOPSY: SOMETIMES, not always, amputation of the toe is required to better assure complete removal of the lesion. I would make sure it's melanoma through a biopsy first.