Tending to become worse and end in death. Having the properties of anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis; said of tumors.
Glossary of Melanoma Terms - M
Malignant
Margin
The edge or border of the tissue removed in cancer surgery. The margin is “negative” or clean when the pathologist finds no cancer cells at the edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has been removed. The margin is “positive” or involved when the pathologist finds cancer cells at edge of the tissue, suggesting that all of the cancer has not been removed.
Medical Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists.
Melanin
The substance made by melanocytes that gives color to skin and eyes and that absorbs UV rays
Melanocytes
Cells in the skin and eyes that produce the pigment called melanin and that transfers it to surrounding skin cells.
Melanoma
A tumor arising from melanocytes within the skin or other organs; melanoma is often referred to as malignant melanoma.
Metastatic
The term used to describe a secondary cancer, or one that has spread from one area of the body to another.
Mitotic Rate
This term describes the frequency of division within the melanoma. Higher mitotic rates are associated with more rapidly dividing cells, and therefore larger lesions with greater potential for metastasis.
Mole
A benign growth on the skin (usually tan, brown, or flesh-colored) that contains a cluster of melanocytes and surrounding supportive tissue.
Mucosal Melanoma
Develops in the mucous membrane that lines the nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract and vagina. Mucosal melanomas are especially difficult to detect because they can easily be mistaken for other, far more common conditions.
As I’m sure most young people believe, I thought I was too young to ever get melanoma. Read more...