What's new in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma?

As surveyors of the skin, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of recent developments in the management of melanoma. Revised recommendations for surgical margins will be reviewed as will the use of Mohs micrographic surgery for the excision of melanoma, in particular lentigo maligna. An explanation of the technique of sentinel node biopsy is followed by a discussion of the results of recent clinical trials. Adjuvant immunotherapy in the form of vaccines and high-dose alpha-interferon is outlined as is the concept of biochemotherapy for more advanced disease.