Abstract: Objective To review the clinical-pathological features, the tendency of incidence over 20 years, the predisposing factors, and the differences between the cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma from two hospitals. Methods A collection of 305 cases diagnosed as cutaneous malignant melanoma, among which 185 cases had complete clinical-pathological data, during 1981-2000 was analyzed. Results Acral malignant melanoma accounted for 63.3%, and the cases associated with congenital small nevi at the primary site accounted for 15.8% of 305 patients. During the period 1981-1990 and 1991-2000, cutaneous malignant melanoma constituted 0.053% and 0.094%, respectively, of all diagnoses with pathological sections, with an growth rate of 3.9% yearly. There was a tendency of the increased lesions located on face and neck, and decreased lesions on acra, over 20 years. Conclusion A rise of diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma has been noticed from two hospitals over 20 years. Acra, especially planta, is the predominant anatomical site of cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Key words: Melanoma, Nevus