The pathology of melanoma

Abstract

Although melanoma represents only 10% of all skin cancer diagnoses, it accounts for at least 65% of all skin cancer-related deaths. The number of new cutaneous melanoma cases projected during 2010 was 68,000-a 23% increase from the 2004 prediction of 55,100 cases. In 2015, the lifetime risk of developing melanoma is estimated to increase to 1 in 50. As the incidence of melanoma continues to rise, now more than ever, clinicians and histopathologists must have familiarity with the various clinical and pathologic features of cutaneous melanoma.