Description
Abstract
The incidence of malignant melanoma continues to increase. Staging in this potentially fatal disease has previously relied on depth of the primary tumour (Breslow thickness). Recently sentinel node biopsy has been shown to be of greater prognostic significance than Breslow thickness. Other investigations, such as blood tests and radiological imaging, aimed at staging and early detection of metastases have consistently been shown not to be useful or cost effective. However practice varies amongst dermatologists worldwide.
