Melanoma is cancer that arises from the pigment-producing cells
in the uppermost layer of the skin. These cells are called
melanocytes. Melanoma that originates in the skin is called
cutaneous melanoma. It also may occur in the eye, a condition
called ocular melanoma or intraocular melanoma. In rare cases,
melanoma may begin in the digestive tract called meninges, lymph
nodes or other parts of the body where there are melanocytes.
Ultraviolet radiation, which is present in sunlight and in
tanning beds, probably sets off many cases of melanoma by
causing genetic damage in melanocytes. Children and adolescents
are especially sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet light.
Melanoma is a potentially life-threatening cancer because it can
travel from the skin to other parts of the body. With early
diagnosis, however, survival rates are encouraging. The goal is
to recgonize melanoma early. Often, the first signs of melanoma
are changes in a mole or the appearance of a new colored spot on
the skin. When melanoma spre