Malignant melanoma over a fifty-year period: a histological evaluation

The incidence of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing in the developed countries. Cutaneous malignant melanomas diagnosed in our Department over a period of fifty years from 1930 to 1980 were examined to see if there was any change in their histological features. In 1930 and 1955, over 90% of malignant melanomas presented as tumours infiltrating deep into the subepithelial tissue. By 1980, 55% of tumours presented with deeply infiltrating lesions and only 20% occurred at a stage where adequate local excision could provide hope of a cure. There is thus a need for greater awareness among the medical profession and the public if we hope to be able to treat malignant melanomas at an early stage.