Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from pigmented skin cells called melanocytes. It is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (for example, in sunlight). Sunburn, in particular, significantly increases the risk. The most common symptom is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing one.
Some melanomas appear as fast-growing dark lumps; others as irregular, flat, pigmented patches.
Rarely, a melanoma has little or no color (known as amelanotic melanoma).
Untreated, melanoma can spread rapidly. Treatment depends on the site of the melanoma and how far it has spread. The main treatment is surgery to remove the cancer, and maybe the surrounding lymph nodes. Other treatments may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and sometimes other medications to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
With early treatment, most cases can be cured. Melanomas that have spread widely are often fatal

Othere related diseases

ROSACEA
Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that primarily affects the face of fair-skinned people, causing episodes of flushing. Various things may trigger an episod...

SCABIES
Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a mite that burrows into the skin. It is contagious and can be passed on by close physical contact. Symptoms include int...

SEBACEOUS CYST
Also called a skin cyst or an epidermoid cyst, a sebaceous cyst is a smooth lump that forms under the skin due to inflammation of a hair follicle. The cyst cont...

SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS
Also called seborrheic warts, seborrheic keratoses are harmless, wartlike growths that most commonly occur on the trunk but may also affect the head, neck, fore...

SKIN ABSCESS
A skin abscess is a collection of pus under the skin, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. A skin abscess typically appears as a smooth, firm swell...

SKIN TAG
A skin tag is a small, soft, painless, noncancerous growth attached to the skin by a stalk. Tags usually occur spontaneously and may grow on any part of the bod...

SOLAR KERATOSIS
Also known an actinic keratosis, a solar keratosis is a scaly skin growth caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. The growths typically appear on the face, ea...

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises from the outer skin layer. It may be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light (in su...