Epidemiology, staging (new system), and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma

Melanoma remains one of the most deadly of skin cancers and its incidence has been rising steadily throughout the past several decades. The risk factors associated with melanoma include external factors, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and host factors, such as family history, history of dysplastic nevi, and number of nevi. The 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor-nodes-metastasis staging classification incorporates Breslow depth, Clark's level, ulceration, pathologic microstaging attributes, and nodal and distant metastases. Prognosis remains poor for advanced disease and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for early stage melanoma.