Malignant melanoma is the most lethal cutaneous neoplasm. Awareness, detection, and treatment along with sophistication of both the physician and patient are integral components to early recognition and cure of the disease. Diagnosis of melanoma at its earliest stage is crucial to outcome. This article discusses in depth the clinical presentation and evaluation, patterns of growth, and pathologic staging of the neoplasm and regional lymph nodes. Treatment approaches and outcomes are presented.
aDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, Room 5N.04, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
bJohns Hopkins Head and Neck Surgery at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Milton J. Dance Head and Neck Center, 6569 N. Charles Street, Physicians Pavilion West, Suite 401, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA
cDepartment of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University, 601 N Caroline Street, 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21287-0910, USA
Corresponding author. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, Room 5N.04, Baltimore, MD 21231.
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