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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > M > Melanoma

Melanoma    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Skin cancer - melanoma

Definition:

Melanoma is a malignant (cancerous), pigmented tumor.

Causes and Risks

Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that involves the skin cells which produce pigment (melanin). It can also involve the pigmented portion of the eye. Melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can spread very rapidly. Risk factors include:

  • A family history of melanoma
  • Red or blond hair
  • Presence of multiple atypical nevi (birthmarks)
  • Development of precancerous actinic keratoses
  • Obvious freckling on the upper back
  • Three or more episodes of blistering sunburn before age 20
  • Three or more years spent at an outdoor summer job as a teen
Types of melanoma include:

Ency. home > Disease > M > Melanoma

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