Malignant melanoma--an overview.

We have presented our experience in light of current practice in the management of malignant melanoma. Central to considerations of adequate management is the question of precise definition of the extent of the disease as determined by histologic evaluation, determination of the depth of penetration and assessment of the extent of spread. Wide surgical excision remains the most important consideration with perfusion therapy, in our view playing a key role in the management of extremity melanoma. Encouraging data for adjuvant immunotherapy continues to unfold. We present here a rational approach to diagnosis and management of malignant melanoma.