What is Melanoma?

Answer:
Break out the sun screen! Melanoma is

a malignant tumor that originates in melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that produce the melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is nearly 100% curable if it is detected in the early stages. However, if it is left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. At that point, the cancer becomes more difficult to treat and can become fatal.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2007 there will be an estimated 8,110 fatalities from melanoma in the United States. Of the 59,940 new cases of melanoma, 33,910 will affect in men and 26,030 women.

It is the Ultraviolet rays (UV radiation) from the sun that is the most recognized cause of all types of skin cancer.


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