OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in detecting metastatic disease in patients with stage III or IV melanoma considered for operative management based on the currently accepted diagnostic work up including CT imaging. II. Determine how often the clinical management of these patients is altered based on FDG PET imaging findings in addition to CT scan results.