Melanoma is a malignant (cancerous) pigmented tumor of the skin.

Alternative Names

Skin cancer - melanoma

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

blistering sunburn 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:

Malignant melanoma

Acral lentiginous melanoma

Lentigo maligna melanoma

Nodular melanoma

Superficial spreading melanoma

Melanoma of the eye

Signs and tests

The abnormal area of skin often has a typical appearance that will make the health care provider suspicious that it is a melanoma. A skin lesion biopsy will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Surgical removal of the tumor , and the normal skin that surrounds it, is usually required. Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes may also be necessary to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized). A skin graft may be necessary after the tumor is removed if a large area of skin is affected. Tumor removal may be accompanied or followed by radiation therapy , chemotherapy (use of anticancer medications) or immunotherapy (use of medications that stimulate the immune system, such as interferon). Only the smallest and most shallow melanomas can be reliably cured by surgery alone, so early diagnosis is very important.

Support groups

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies. Many tumors are removed successfully. However, the success depends on factors such as how far the tumor (s) has spread, if it involves the lymph nodes and the general health of the patient. If the melanoma has spread (metastasized) into lymph nodes or other organs, the cure rate is low.

Complications

Spread ( metastasis ) of the tumor is fairly common. See the specific type of melanoma.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate that a melanoma may be present, particularly:

if any existing

skin lesion changes in color, size, texture, or appearance

if an existing lesion develops pain, inflammation,

bleeding , or itching All areas of skin should be examined each year as part of a regular check-up so that your health care provider can identify any suspicious "moles" that may in fact be melanoma.

Prevention

It is recommended that you protect yourself from damaging ultraviolet rays on a regular basis. This includes the following:

Applying a good sunscreen -- one with a higher SPF (sun protection factor) -- daily

Wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses

Refraining from intentionally lying in the sun or using tanning devices

Minimizing sun exposure, especially during the summer, and particularly between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.