Melanoma

Overview

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. While melanoma is a much less common form of skin cancer, it’s more likely to spread to other parts of the body than the other two cancer types.

Melanoma starts in the melanocytes, which are the skin cells that produce melanin. Melanin gives skin its color.

Melanoma can form anywhere on the skin. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Men usually develop melanoma on their chest or back. Women usually get melanoma on their legs. Other common sites for melanoma include the neck and face.

In rare cases, melanoma can develop in other areas of the body. For example, it can occur in the eyes, mouth, genitals or anal region.

Basics

Wellness and Prevention