The most deadly of all skin cancers is malignant melanoma.  It is estimated that 8,000 Americans die from this deadly cancer each year, and over 108,000 Americans will develop this type of skin cancer annually. Melanoma originates in the skin’s melanocytes.  Melanocytes are the skin cells that produce melanin, a pigment in the skin that makes skin tan.  Melanin is the skin’s protective pigment, and since melanoma cells continue to produce melanin, the cancer appears in a wide spectrum of colors.  The cancer can be in shades of tan, brown, black and even red or white.  Since melanoma can spread, early detection is necessary for a good prognosis. Melanoma may suddenly appear in or near moles and freckles. It is essential to know the location and size of moles and freckles on your body to detect the sometimes subtle changes in your skin’s color and texture that may represent growing cancer.  Any change in the appearance of a mole or freckle should be promptly examined by a dermatologist.

Melanoma can be treated if caught in its early stages. The most preventable cause of melanoma is excessive sun exposure, especially sunburn. Individuals with lighter skin tones, atypical moles, a large number of moles or a family history of melanoma are more likely to develop melanoma. However, darker skin tones are not exempt from this type of cancer. Even individuals with darker skin may still develop melanoma on the palms of hands, soles of feet, under nails, the mouth or on the genitalia. Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer can greatly aid in the detection and prompt treatment of melanoma. Watch for changes in the appearance of and number of moles. Also, watch for moles that begin to get larger and spread to surrounding skin. Any oozing, bleeding, scaling or new bumps are also warning signs. Even changes in skin sensation such as itching, tenderness or pain could be signs of melanoma. All skin changes should be brought to the attention of your dermatologist.