[Diagnosis of melanoma]

Melanoma is a rare cancer but it is the cancer with the biggest increase of incidence, especially in caucasian populations. UV exposure and genetic predisposition are the two main risk factors. The diagnosis is often clinically suspected with the "ABCDE" rule. However, there are some diagnostic traps. Histological exam of the whole lesion will confirm diagnosis and guide the management. In case of localised melanoma, Breslow index is the best prognostic index. In case of metastatic melanoma, prognostic is dark. The AJCC classification stages patients in 4 groups according to their global survival.