MELANOMA
Cancer of the Melanocytes
Melanoma is a neoplasm of the melanin producing cells. The cancer usually begins when a mole (actually a benign tumor) becomes malignant. Overexposure to sunlight is thought to be a cause of melanoma. However, some forms may have a hereditary basis. Melanoma is one of the most metastatic and invasive cancers. The prognosis for an individual with advanced melanoma is not good. Any change in a mole or nevus should be followed up with a visit to the dermatologist.