In Canada melanoma causes 400 deaths a year, often in young adult patients. Excessive ultraviolet radiation to unprotected skin is an important cause. Certain moles should be removed as a precautionary measure; an experienced clinician can recognize many melanomas. Both microstaging by the pathologist and clinical staging must be carried out before definitive treatment is planned. The only 'curative' treatment is surgical. Any patient so treated requires ten years of careful follow up. The results of chemotherapy for disseminated disease are poor.