Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, cells that are derived from the neural crest. Although most melanomas arise in the skin, they may also arise from mucosal surfaces or at other sites to which neural crest cells migrate. Melanoma occurs predominantly in adults, and more than half of the cases arise in apparently normal areas of the skin. Early signs in a nevus that would suggest malignant change include darker or variable discoloration, itching, an increase in size, or the development of satellites.
General Information About Melanoma
article syndicated from NCI
Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes (cells that color the skin). When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma.
learn more about melanoma >>
Individuals’ Risk of Melanoma Increases with Time Outdoors, Especially in High-Sunlight Areas
article syndicated from NCI
Researchers have shown for the first time that individual risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is associated with the intensity of sunlight that a person receives over a lifetime. Published in the journal Cancer Research*, the study also indicates that the risk of melanoma for non-Hispanic whites increases with increased time outdoors – even for men and women who can develop a deep tan.
learn more about melanoma >>
General Information About Skin Cancer
article syndicated from NCI
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Skin also helps control body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has several layers, but the two main layers are the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer). Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, which is made up of 3 kinds of cells.
learn more about merkel cell cancer >>
