Malignant melanoma: differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions.

The incidence of melanoma is rising globally despite increased awareness. Familiarity with the clinical signs and certain risk factors for melanoma can result in early recognition, and potentially influence outcome. Unfortunately, there are several other cutaneous tumors, both malignant and benign, that resemble melanoma, and may confuse and possibly delay the diagnosis. This paper discusses the clinical characteristics of melanoma and its most common pigmented simulators.