Cases of malignant melanoma

Superficial spreading malignant melanoma
Suspicion of a possible malignant melanoma requires urgent referral to local screening services, usually run by a dermatologist, within two weeks.

Malignant melanoma is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for 4 per cent of all new cases in both men and women. Incidence trends have been rising sharply since the year 2000. As the most serious cutaneous cancer, early recognition and treatment are essential if good results are to be obtained.

Those at greatest risk of developing malignant melanoma are the blue-eyed and fair-skinned people who readily burn on exposure to ultraviolet light and the sun. The risk is greater for those with a previous or family history of malignant melanoma, those with multiple 'benign moles' or with a giant hairy pigmented naevus.