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• Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. It forms in cells known as melanocytes that produce our skin, hair and eye color. Melanoma becomes a serious threat if it invades the healthy tissue under the skin.AAD: Malignant Melanoma

• Fast Facts

  1. Also found in: Bowel, eye
  2. Accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer casesACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Melanoma?
  3. 4 types: Superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, acral lentiginous
  4. Can spread rapidly
  5. 10 times more common in whites than blacksACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Melanoma?
  6. Slightly more common in men than womenACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Melanoma?
  7. Symptom: Atypical moles
  8. Use the ABCD system to evaluate molesMedlinePlus: Melanoma
  9. Curable if diagnosed and treated early
  10. Treatment: Surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy

• First Signs and Causes

  In most cases, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape or color of a mole. New moles may also be melanoma. While many common moles are not cancerous, atypical moles should be investigated by a dermatologist.

  Sun exposure can be dangerous to the skin and cause melanoma, as can the radiation in tanning beds. People with fair skin and who are sun-sensitive are at a greater risk for developing melanoma.SCF: Melanoma

• Prevention

  • Avoid sun during midday hours
  • Use sunscreen
  • Wear sun-protective clothing
  • Avoid tanning indoors and outdoors
  • Examine skin regularly

• Risk Factors

  • Fair skin
  • Blue or green eyes
  • Red or blond hair
  • Previous family history
  • Sun damage

• United States Statistics

  • New cases: Estimated 62,480 in 2008ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Melanoma?
  • Deaths: Estimated 8,420 in 2008ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Melanoma?
  • Incidence increased 6 percent per year since the 1970sACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Melanoma?
  • Annual cost: About $1.5 billion on treatmentNCI: A Snapshot of Melanoma

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have melanoma, please consult your doctor.

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  How to Treat a Sunburn | How to Remove Age Spots | Skin Cancer | Cancer | Moles | Atypical Mole | Sunburn | Chemotherapy | Radiation Therapy | Skin Cancer Vaccine | Boils Treatment | Coach Jim Johnson

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