 Melanoma
Melanoma is a malignant form of skin cancer that occurs in cells called
melanocytes, which produce pigments that give skin its color. Melanoma usually
appears as an irregular brown, black and/or red spot, or an existing mole that
begins to change color, size or shape. While melanoma only represents about 3%
of all skin cancers, it has the highest death rate of all types, and is more
likely to metastasize (spread).
Melanoma appears most frequently on the trunk area in fair-skinned men and on
the lower leg in fair-skinned women. In dark-skinned people, melanoma appears
most frequently on the palms, the soles of the feet and the skin under nails. If
caught early, melanoma is potentially curable
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