Melanoma: Recent Advances and Future Possibilities
Melanoma: Recent Advances and Future Possibilities By Cather McKay MD, FAAD The incidence of invasive melanoma increases each year. Deaths from melanoma steadily rose until 2014, decreased until 2019, but have been on the rise again. As of 2024, the American Cancer Society predicts the lifetime risk of melanoma is 1 in 33 for White Americans, 1 in 1,000 for Black Americans, and 1 in 200 for Hispanic Americans. 1 Despite lower incidence in patients with skin of color, diagnosis tends to occur later with poorer survival as a result. We as dermatologists aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and correctly stage our patients so they can be referred to appropriate specialists. Melanoma staging and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines are important for every dermatologist to review and are available with a free NCCN account. Here are some of the recent updates 2 : Biopsy principles Biopsy via saucerization/deep shave removal, punch for small diameter les