Malignant melanoma: death by image and ignorance, diagnosis by surgical excision and laboratory investigation

Malignant melanoma is now one of the most common cancers in the western wor ld, Across Europe, the rise in annual incidence is 4-7%. The criteria for c linical and histological diagnosis are well established; however, an elabor ate range of laboratory investigations can provide valuable supplementary i nformation in difficult cases. In this essay, we highlight the incidence an d impact of malignant: melanoma worldwide, and outline the range of laborat ory investigations that can be performed and are so vital in the diagnosis of problematic cases.