Melanoma 101

Introduction

Cancer is a general term for the nearly 200 diseases that begin with an uncontrolled growth of cells that can invade and damage normal tissues.  (Each type of cancer is named for the cell of origin and in most cases, these cancer cells continue to contain certain characteristics that allow it to be identified in that way, even when it spreads to another area of the body.)  Just as there are many different types of cancer, researchers are discovering that there are many different types of melanoma, each with their own unique biology and response to treatment options.

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin that colors the skin, hair, and eyes, as well as forms moles. Since most of these pigment cells are found in the skin, melanoma of the skin (cutaneous melanoma) is the most common form of melanoma.  However, melanoma can develop in the eye, digestive tract, brain or spinal cord, or other areas where melanocytes are found. 

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to lymph nodes and other areas of the body compared to the other types of skin cancer (basal and squamous cell carcinoma).  When melanoma spreads, it can spread to almost any other organ in the body but most commonly spreads to the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.

Also In This Section

Melanoma Facts
Risk Factors
Detection & Screening
The ABCD’s of Melanoma
Melanoma Diagnosis
Your Treatment Team
Melanoma Stages & Treatment Options
Types of Therapy
Side Effects
On-going Monitoring