Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, with the highest mortality rate and the worst prognosis among all malignant skin tumors. The disease melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin (pigment that gives color to the skin), hence the name "melanoma.
Although it is the most lethal, melanoma is the least common skin cancer. More than 90% of malignant skin tumors are of the non-melanoma, which have low mortality rates.
In general, melanoma manifests as a sign of skin or of a pint of black or brownish color. However, the difference for non-cancerous signs and spots is that melanoma normally changes color, size, shape and can to bleed. The lesions usually arise in the regions of the body most exposed to the sun.
Learn more at: What are the symptoms of melanoma?
Depending on the depth, melanoma can reach the lymphatic circulation and spread to internal organs. It's the call metastasis. However, despite its severity, melanoma has more than 90% chances of cure if diagnosed at the beginning.
This is because, in the initial phase, the disease is restricted to the most superficial layer of the skin, which facilitates complete removal of the tumor through surgery. In later stages the cancer is already deeper, which raises the risks of metastasis and reduces the probability of cure. O metastatic melanoma has fewer treatment options and has a worse prognosis.
Melanoma is more common in people with Clear Skin. The occurrence in individuals with black or brown skin is more rare, but it can happen. Hereditary factors play an important role in the development of this type of skin cancer.
People with a history of melanoma in the family, especially in first degree relatives, should have regular preventive exams with the doctor / dermatologist.
