Cutaneous and mucosal melanoma

Abstract

Malignant melanoma (MM) still remains a potentially fatal disease despite the fact that advanced diagnostic methods and modern therapeutic options are available. Melanoma is a cancer deriving from neuroectodermal melanocytic cells. The standardized incidence rate of melanoma in Poland is 4,9 per 100 000. The mucosal melanoma is a rare form of this cancer accounting for only 2% of the diagnosed cases. The fast diagnosis and surgical treatment are the keys to decreased mortality. In metastatic disease systemic therapy is needed but no highly efficient drug has been identified yet. This paper concentrates on introduction of elemental knowledge about melanoma to raise awareness among medical professionals of different specialities in order not to overlook any case of melanoma.