What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a very serious type of cancer of the skin. Melanoma specifically affects the skin cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, which is a protective pigment that makes the skin darker or tan. Although melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancers, it is much more dangerous because of its ability to invade other parts of the body. Like all skin cancer, melanoma is very curable if detected and treated early before it spreads to other parts of the body.

Unlike nonmelanoma skin cancers, melanoma can form anywhere on the skin, even on parts of the body that are not overexposed to sun.