title: Familial malignant melanoma.
abstract: Two sisters simultaneously developed a superficial spreading malignant melanoma on their legs. Concurrently, a brother was affected with fatal metastatic melanoma. Several explanations for familial malignant melanoma are reviewed, including: 1. Genetically determined predisposition; ,2 Phenotypic and environmental factors; and 3. Infectious etiology (virus?). Relatives of patients who develop malignant melanoma spould be aware that they have a higher risk than the general population of developing this serious type of cancer.
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*