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INTRODUCTION

The study of nevi and melanoma is probably the most important that the dermatologist will undertake. Melanoma is the deadliest of the main skin cancers, and its incidence is on the rise. Half the time, it arises in a preexisting nevus; the other half, from normal skin. Rarely, melanomas may arise from congenital nevi. Some families are plagued with innumerable moles and a strong propensity to develop melanoma. All healthcare providers should study in earnest the photographs contained within this chapter to best detect melanoma at its earliest stages.

White/Cox: Diseases of the Skin, 2ed.(c) 2006, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.