Surgical management of primary cutaneous melanoma

Early detection and surgical excision remain the mainstays of effective management of primary cutaneous melanoma. In the past the standard recommendation for most lesions was wide local excision and regional lymph node dissection. However, recognition and study of key prognostic factors have led to intensive analysis of the results of therapy. and progress has been made in reducing the extent of surgical treatment. This article reviews the diagnosis, staging, and prognostic factors for melanoma and outlines the surgical management of primary tumors and regional lymph nodes.