Malignant melanoma of the head and neck

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing in the United States and throughout the world at an alarmingly rapid rate. Melanoma, however, is a highly curable cancer when diagnosed and treated appropriately at an early stage. This article provides current information about the epidemiology, risk factors, and the principles as well as the controversies associated with the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with this neoplasia.