A reader who returns to the statement quoted at the beginning of this essay should now be able to assess better the legitimacy of it:

" . . . no significant changes in histologic criteria had occurred over time that would explain the rise in melanoma incidence." Rigel DS, Friedman RJ, Kopf AW et al. The incidence of malignant melanoma in the United States: Issues as we approach the 21st century. JAAD 1996;34:839–47.

We are compelled to conclude that that statement is plainly untrue.