Malignant melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers and, when it occurs during pregnancy, it can frequently metastasise to the placenta and the foetus. Earlier reports suggested a rapid progress of the disease during pregnancy with a poor prognosis; however, recent controlled studies found that stage for stage, the prognosis of melanoma during pregnancy is similar to that in a non-pregnant state. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can avoid a tragic outcome.