Effect of pregnancy upon malignant melanoma.

Results of this study suggest melanomas diagnosed, initiated or stimulated during pregnancy have worse prognoses than do those of patients not having this history. For those female patients who have had melanomas without a history of the preceding factors, it appears they can become pregnant following the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma without increased hazard. Further biochemical studies on hormone receptors and correlation with the clinical course are needed to clarify the influences of endocrines on malignant melanomas.