Melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is a relatively common neoplasm which is increasing in incidence. Melanoma appears as a variegated irregular maculopapular lesion usually on the skin, but possibly on mucosae, conjunctiva, orbit, nails and oesophagus. They may be black, brown, red-blue, grey or unpigmented. Histologically they are larger than nevi cells with irregular nucleoli and eosinophilic nucleoli. [1] Melanoma incidence in Malta is lower than that in northern Europe and is similar to that in southern Europe. However, incidence appears to be increasing. . In a study done between the years 2000-2004 the rates for invasive melanoma were of 8.81 per 100,000 (males) and 7.29 per 100,000 (females). A relatively high proportion of patients present with thick lesions emphasising the importance of continued efforts to diagnose cases earlier. [2] Aim: The aim of this article is to make the reader aware of the importance of early detection and prevention of melanoma, to highlight the risk factors for developing melanoma and to outline the way in which melanoma is diagnosed, treated and followed up.