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| Definition: | Melanoma is a malignant (cancerous) pigmented tumor of the skin.
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| Alternative Names: | Skin cancer - melanoma
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that involves the cells that produce pigment (melanin), responsible for skin and hair color. It can also involve the pigmented portion of the eye. Melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can spread very rapidly. Risk factors include:
- A family history of melanoma
- Red or blond hair (and fair skin)
- Presence of multiple atypical nevi (birthmarks)
- Development of precancerous actinic keratoses
- Obvious freckling on the upper back
- Three or more episodes of blisteringsunburn before age 20
- Three or more years spent at an outdoor summer job as a teen
- High levels of exposure to strong sunlight
Types of melanoma include:
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Review Date: 8/2/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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