The malignant malignoma originates from the neutral tube and can be found in nearly every part of the body. Middle-aged women are most frequently affected. Histopathologically the melanoma can be subdivided into lentigo maligna melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma and non-classifiable melanoma. The histopathological classification as suggested by Clark and Breslow, completed by the "Prognosis-Index" of Schmoeckel and Braun-Falco, is of prognostic and therapeutic value. 3-5% of all melanomas are localised in the vulva at an average age of 60 years. The vagina is rarely affected, and, if so, at an earlier age. The tumour must be removed in total. Diagnostic biopsy is generally accepted, if followed by adequate therapy. Therapeutic possibilities are discussed. The influence exercised by pregnancy on the formation and evolution of a malignant melanoma is still controversial. Diaplacentar metastases are described. As long as the malignant melanoma remains limited to the upper chorium and the diameter does not exceed 1.5 mm, pregnancy can be tolerated with close supervision without influencing the further evolution of the tumour. Total excision should be performed regardless of the pregnancy stage.