Mutation, absence or abnormal functioning of retinoblastoma protein are fundamental elements of uncontrolled growth in human cancer. In this study, we analyze the expression of retinoblastoma protein and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein in melanocytic tumors in vivo. Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (tissue microarrays and conventional histological sections) reveal that retinoblastoma protein is progressively upregulated in advanced and metastatic malignant melanomas in vivo. However, this increase is paralleled by increased retinoblastoma protein inactivation due to protein phosphorylation. Interestingly, retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation occurs not homogeneously, but with a 'growth zone'-related pattern. In superficial spreading melanomas a subepidermal-lateral maximum of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein can be frequently observed. Accordingly, nodular vertically invasive melanomas are characterized by a strong staining of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein in deep-dermal invading protrusions of the tumor. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis of 13 cases of advanced melanomas with long-time follow-up suggests a significant negative impact of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation on survival of melanoma patients independent of tumor thickness. We conclude that the evaluation of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein in melanocytic tumors could become a helpful adjunct in clinicopathological routine.