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

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