Melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the darkpigment, melanin, which is responsible for the color of skin. Melanoma can originate inany part of the body that contains melanocytes. Melanoma is less common than otherskin cancers. However, it is much more dangerous if it is not found early. According to aWHO report, about 48,000 melanoma related deaths occur worldwide per year. Thetreatment includes surgical removal of the malignant tumor. If melanoma is diagnosedearly, while it is still small and thin, and if it is completely removed, then the chance ofactual cure is high. The likelihood of the melanoma reoccurring or metastasizing dependson how deeply it has gone into the layers of the skin. For melanomas that reoccur ormetastasize, treatments include chemo- and immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.Melanoma is usually caused by UV light produced by the sun, which causes DNAdamage inside the melanocytes.