What is Melanoma?

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 identification by that same point-of-origin. Just as there are many different types of cancer, researchers are discovering that there are also many different types of melanoma, each with its own unique biology and response to treatment options.

Types of Melanoma

Skin cancers can be divided into two types: melanoma and non-melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancers are usually referred to as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These skin cancers are most often treated with surgery since they do not normally spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma Is A Type of Skin Cancer

Melanoma is the most serious cancer of the skin. It 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 type of melanoma. 

Unlike other cancers, melanoma can often be seen on the skin, making it easier to detect in the early stages. However, melanoma can also develop in the eye, digestive tract, brain or spinal cord, or other areas where melanocytes are found. These types of melanoma are often very dangerous because they are more difficult to detect. 

Melanoma can develop from a mole, which can be a risk factor for melanoma, but most moles do not become melanoma. However, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer due to its tendency to spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes and other areas of the body, as 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.

Symptoms of Melanoma

Symptoms of melanoma and other skin cancers vary from person to person. It is important to note that not all skin cancers and melanomas fall into these categories, so just use this list as a guideline:

• A change on the skin. This could be a new spot, or a change in color, shape or size of a current spot.
• A sore that doesn't heal.
• A spot or sore that becomes painful, itchy, tender or bleeds.
• A spot or lump that looks shiny, waxy, smooth or pale.
• A firm red lump that bleeds or appears ulcerated or crusty.
• A flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly.