Melanoma

The Most Serious Form of Skin Cancer

What causes Melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer that arises from the pigment cells, or melanocytes, of the outer layer of skin. A heavy concentration of melanocytes that color our skin, hair and eyes is the breeding ground for the malignant tumor melanoma. Melanoma is more serious when it has penetrated deeply into the skin and may have traveled throughout the body. After a period of time, this type of cancer may extend into deeper layers of the skin. Some of these microscopic extensions may result in new tumor growths spreading to vital organs. If melanoma is diagnosed and removed while still thin and limited to the outermost skin layer, it is almost 100% curable.

Who gets Melanoma?

The incidence of melanoma is rising faster than that of any other cancer. By 2010, melanoma is projected to rise to one in 50 Americans. While melanoma is uncommon in African Americans, Latinos and Asians, it is most deadly for these populations. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women aged 20-29. In the past 20 years, there has been more than a 100% increase in the cases of pediatric melanoma later in life. 

What are the warning signs of Melanoma?

A symmetrical, irregularly bordered, multi-colored spot or growth which usually increases in size.

      R                  Asymmetry—most early melanomas are irregular

R                  Border—most early melanomas have uneven borders, with some scalloped or notched

R                  Color—varied shades of brown, tan or black are often the first signs; with progression, the colors red, white and blue may appear

R                  Diameter—early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles, generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser