Melanoma: latest diagnosis methods, surgical treatments and follow-up procedures

Abstract

Melanoma is a disease that is estimated will affect approximately 1 in 80 Americans. It is a potentially lethal cutaneous malignancy that requires initial diagnosis by full thickness incisional or excisional biopsy followed by appropriate surgical care. Prospective randomized studies for adjuvant therapy with intermediate (0.76-4 mm. Breslow depth), and deeper (4 mm. or greater Breslow depth) lesions will be discussed. This paper outlines an algorithm for lifelong postoperative clinical follow-up.