Current therapy of cutaneous melanoma.

We review the current therapy for cutaneous malignant melanoma. Early surgical resection offers the best likelihood of cure. The initial staging of melanoma patients determines subsequent therapeutic decisions and follow-up care. The prognosis and appropriate therapy for each stage of melanoma are discussed. We review the controversy over lymph node dissection, and recent recommendations for the use of lymphoscintigraphy. Interferon-alpha continues to be the only Food and Drug Administration-approved adjuvant therapy for high-risk patients. In addition, the follow-up care of melanoma patients will be discussed.