The purpose of the study has been primarily to draw a profile of malignant melanoma in the different population groups inhabiting the Natal Province and Kwa-Zulu, to compare the presentation and incidence of the disease between these groups as well as with similar racial groups in different countries. The data collected then permitted to estimate which parameters were relevant in predicting the course of the disease, as well as the results of surgical and adjuvant therapy, and was utilized in a search for the aetiology of the tumour. / Thesis (M.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1985.