DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced stage IV malignant melanoma M1 All pathologic subtypes eligible Tridimensionally measurable disease At least 1 discreet easily accessible and measurable cutaneous or subcutaneous lesion of a volume no greater than 3 cm3 by physical examination using Vernier calipers Ulcerated or necrotic lesions may not serve as index lesion Not a candidate for curative surgical resection Visceral metastases, including brain lesions, eligible provided no rapidly progressive CNS metastases likely to result in death within 3 months