Symposium on Solid Tumors

Malignant melanoma Is an a^resslve, therapy-resistant malignancy of melanocytes. The incidence of meianoma has l>een steadily increasing worldwide, resulting In an increasing pubiic health problem. Exposure to solar UV radiation, fair skin, dysplastlc nevi syndrome, and a family history of meianoma are major risk factors for melanoma development. The interactions between genetic and environmentai risk factors that promote meianomagenesis are currently the subject of ongoing research. Avoidance of UV radiation and surveillance of high-risk patients have the potentiai to reduce the popuiation burden of melanoma. Biopsies of the primary tumor and sampiing of draining iymph nodes are required for optimal diagnosis and staging. Several clinicaiiy relevant pathologic subtypes have been identified and need to be recognized. Therapy for eariy disease is predominantly surgical, with a minor benefit noted with the use of adjuvant therapy. Management of systemic meianoma is a challenge because of a paucity of active treatment modaitties. in the first part of this 2part review, we discuss epidemioiogy, risk factors, screening, prevention, and diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Part 2 (which wili appear in the Aprii 2007 issue) wiii review meianoma staging, prognosis, and treatment.