DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed melanoma with radiographic evidence of prior or active involvement of the lung or pleura Measurable disease At least one lesion with at least one dimension in diameter of at least 10 mm on CT scan or MRI No non-measurable disease including the following: Bone lesions Leptomeningeal disease Ascites Pleural or pericardial effusion Inflammatory breast disease Lymphangitis cutis or pulmonis Unconfirmed abdominal masses not followed by imaging Cystic lesions