Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that stems from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells found in the basal layer of the epidermis. Clusters of melanocytes are what comprise the familiar benign growths known as moles. When melanocytes become malignant, the condition is called melanoma.

Nearly 90,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually in the United States, and according to many reports that number is rising steadily. In fact, between 1980 and 2002, melanoma incidence more than tripled among Caucasians. The malignant growths, which are closely linked with damaging exposure to solar radiation, are much less common among African Americans and other dark-skinned individuals.

Treatment for melanoma is much less successful if the cancer is well advanced or has already metastasized to other areas. Thus, it is widely recommended that individuals, especially those with light skin, hair, and eyes or who have a relative diagnosed with melanoma, regularly examine their skin for new growths or changes to preexisting moles. Any moles that are found that have notably altered or are asymmetrical, have irregular borders or coloration, or are more than one-quarter inch in diameter should be of special concern. Moles that are suspicious should be brought to the attention of a medical professional, who can perform a biopsy if needed to make a definite diagnosis.

Complete surgical removal of a melanoma is the standard treatment for the cancer. The excision generally includes some healthy tissue surrounding the growth, as well, to ensure that no cancer cells remain in the area. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to further help control the disease and a skin graft may be performed depending upon the total amount of tissue that is lost. In cases where the melanoma has already metastasized, surgery is often not an effective treatment. Consequently, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and gene therapy are usually utilized in such cases, though frequently with limited success. Individual outcomes vary greatly, however, as no two cases of melanoma are exactly alike.

Though it is often difficult to determine precisely why one individual develops melanoma and another does not, certain key factors that may lead to the disease have been identified. The most well known of these factors is excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Recent studies have particularly linked severe sunburns in childhood with an increased melanoma risk and, consequently, the medical community has begun emphasizing the need for parents to make sure that the skin of their children is protected through the use of sunscreens and protective clothing if they are going to be outside. In fact, it is generally recommended that all adults take the same precautions since the disease may develop from the cumulative skin damage over the entire course of one’s lifetime as well.

In addition to the sun, exposure to melanoma-causing UV rays may be due to artificial sources, such as tanning beds, which should generally be avoided to decrease the risk of skin cancer. Other factors that contribute to the likelihood that someone will develop melanoma include a family history of the disease and the presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi). Interestingly, according to a report released in 2004, people employed in certain occupations, specifically members of airline flight crews, appear to have an increased risk of certain cancers, including malignant melanoma.

Malignant Melanoma at 20x Magnification - The most virulent of the skin cancers, more than 7,000 Americans die each year from melanoma, accounting for the vast majority of all skin cancer deaths.

Malignant Melanoma at 4x Magnification - If a biopsy sample reveals melanoma cells under the microscope then further testing is usually carried out to determine the extent of the cancer growth before a specific treatment plan is developed.

Malignant Melanoma at 10x Magnification - Patients who have been treated for a melanoma are at increased risk of developing a new growth and also experience a certain amount of risk for a recurrence of the original tumor.

Malignant Melanoma at 40x Magnification - Due to its tendency to invade other tissues of the body, melanoma needs to be detected as early as possible in order for patients to have the best possible prognosis.