ABSTRACT
Melanoma, caused by the malignant transformation of melanocytes, is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Melanoma predominantly arises from melanocytes in the skin, but rarely, in around 5%, occurs at extracutaneous sites including the eye, nail bed and mucosal surfaces. The worldwide incidence of melanoma has risen sharply over the last 30 years. The risk of developing melanoma increases with age and peaks in the eighth decade of life, but in contrast to other solid cancers, it disproportionally affects the young. An individual's risk of developing melanoma is multifactorial; a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Early diagnosis of melanoma is of vital importance as overall survival is directly related to the depth of tumour invasion. Full thickness excisional biopsy with a minimal margin is the gold standard intervention for the primary tumour. Loco-regional in-transit metastases (ITM) are also typically treated with surgical excision, particularly if the lesion is completely resectable and follows a long disease-free interval.
