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The development of multiple primary melanomas, in a familial setting or in a patient, is rare and is observed in about ten per cent of patients with melanomas. These patients and their families represent high-risk groups for the development of new melanomas, which justifies offering them a clinical follow-up aimed at diagnosing new tumours early and informing them on ultraviolet light protection. Indeed, it has been demonstrated in these families that melanoma development results from an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The follow-up of the families identifies new cutaneous melanomas with a median thickness associated with a favourable prognosis. A test has been made available for the identification of a germline mutation in the familial melanoma predisposing genes. The benefit of this genetic test for the management of the families is under evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]