Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma

Abstract

Abstract Cutaneous melanoma is a significant oncological condition in countries with large Caucasian populations. Not only is there a rising incidence rate, but mortality rates have also increased in many countries (Jemal et al. 2008). As demonstrated from Cancer Registry Data in NSW Australia, the age standardized incidence has risen by 16% in males and 24% in females over the 10 years from 1996 to 2005. It accounts for almost 10% of malignancies, with an incidence of 59.8 new cases per 100,000 in males. One in 24 males and one in 33 females will develop a melanoma by age 75. Melanoma ranks as the 7th most common cause for cancer related mortality in males (Tracey et al. 2006).