[Cutaneous melanoma]

Abstract

While the incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) continues to rise steadily, the mortality has stabilized. Risk factors for the development of CM are UV light exposure and individual characteristics relating to pigmentation, and especially the number of melanocytic nevi. The most important prognostic factor in CM is the vertical thickness of the primary tumor in the histological specimen. Excision of the primary tumor with adequate safety margins is the treatment of choice. In the case of a tumor 1.0 mm or more thick biopsy of the sentinel node is recommended. Interferon-alpha is currently the only adjuvant therapy shown to have significant benefit in prospective randomized trials. When distant metastases are present treatment is palliative and is aimed primarily at achieving tumor remission by operative, radiological, and pharmacological means. Dacarbazine is considered the standard drug for systemic treatment. Follow-up depends on the initial tumor parameters and the current stage of the disease.