[Managing cutaneous melanoma]

Abstract

Cutaneous melanoma represents the main cause of death among skin cancers. Early diagnosis gives, for the time being, the only possibility for high rate of curative treatment. Diagnosis is based on pathological findings, and at primary tumor stage. Breslow thickness of the lesion is the best prognostic index. At local stage of the disease, treatment is precisely codified by international recommendations and consensus conferences. Follow-up after surgical treatment is also well codified. Treatment of lymph node invasion or metastatic disease is, on the other hand, less codified. Despite recent advances, especially in immunotherapy, treatment of advanced stages of melanoma remains difficult.