The goal of this study is to observe metabolic features associated with human melanoma tumors.

This is a single center, correlative study designed to assess metabolic features of melanoma tumors in patients. The study will involve the collection of melanoma tissue at the time of surgical biopsy or excision. All samples will be assessed by mass spectrometry for metabolomic analysis. A subset of patients will have received [U-13C]glucose infusions which will be utilized for isotope tracing metabolic analysis. Relevant clinical data (eg survival, metastasis) will be correlated with metabolic findings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with known or probable malignant melanoma lesions requiring surgical biopsy or excision.
• Subjects of all races and ethnic origins over age 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not a surgical candidate
• Poorly controlled diabetes

Patients over 18 years of age with a suspected malignant melanoma