The melanoma 'epidemic', a dermatopathologist's perspective

Over the past several decades, the rise in melanoma incidence has been termed "epidemic." However, detailed analysis of mortality data suggests that the true incidence of melanoma has not increased dramatically. Dermatopathologists, who hold a key position in the diagnosis of melanoma, should have unique insight into this quandary. Factors contributing to the apparent melanoma epidemic likely include intense screening, sampling of earlier lesions, medical-legal pressures, imperfect diagnostic methodology, and lack of a usable gold standard. Consequences of the apparent melanoma epidemic are also explored herein.