What Is Melanoma?

The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma. Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes which are the pigment producing cells of your body. The other forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, do not spread as frequently ot quickly as melanoma does. In fact, this is what makes melanoma the most severe form of skin cancer--the fact that it uses the blood system and lymph nodes to travel through the body to affect vital organs in an individual.

Although melanoma makes up less than 10% of all skin cancer cases, it is the most serious form because of how quickly it metastasizes. It may be found in a preexisting mole or freckle, or it may appear on otherwise normal skin. It is typically found on the trunk or legs of an individual, though it can occur anywhere throughout the body.

There are a number of factors that may make you a higher risk for getting malignant melanoma. If you have a first degree relative that has had melanoma, you may be at a higher risk due to the fact that there may be the skin cancer gene defect in your DNA. If you use tanning beds, are Caucasian, have had a blistering sunburn, or have large or numerous moles on your body, you may also be at a higher risk of having malignant melanoma.

Suspicious moles can be found using a few typical characteristics. Moles that are abnormal in shape (asymmetrical) are likely to be a sign of melanoma. If the border of the mole is not well defined, the color is uneven, and the diameter is larger than the size of a pencil eraser, it may be a good idea to check out the mole with a dermatologist like Dr. Doppelt to ensure that it is not malignant melanoma.



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