Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is called melanin.

Understanding the Context

Melanoma typically starts on skin that's often exposed to the sun. This includes the skin on the arms, back, face and legs. Melanoma also can form in the eyes. Rarely, it can happen inside the body, such as in the nose or throat.

Key Insights

Melanoma stages use the numbers 0 through 4. At stage 0 and stage 1, a melanoma is thin and small. Treatment is likely to be successful. As the melanoma grows deeper into the skin, the stages get higher. Treatment becomes more challenging.

Final Thoughts

By stage 4, the cancer has spread beyond the skin to other organs, such as the lungs or liver. Melanoma dentro del cuerpo. El melanoma mucoso se presenta en las membranas mucosas. Este tejido recubre la nariz, la boca, el esófago, el ano, las vías urinarias y la vagina. Los melanomas mucosos son particularmente difíciles de detectar porque pueden confundirse con otras enfermedades mucho más comunes con facilidad. Melanoma en el ojo.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. It often can be cured if found early. These melanoma pictures can help show you what to look for. The American Academy of Dermatology advises watching skin spots for: Asymmetry.