Melanoma Also called: malignant melanoma

The most serious type of skin cancer.

Common

200,000 to 3 million US cases per year

Treatable by a medical professional

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging often required

Melanoma occurs when the pigment-producing cells that give color to the skin become cancerous.

Symptoms might include a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body.

Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, medications, or in some cases chemotherapy.

Ages affected

0-2	Very rare
3-5	Very rare
6-13	Very rare
14-18	Rare
19-40	Common
41-60	Very common
60+	Very common

Requires a medical diagnosis

Symptoms might include a new, unusual growth or a change in an existing mole. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body.

People may experience:

Skin: darkening of the skin or lumps

Also common: asymmetry, bigger mole diameter, mole color changes, or skin mole with irregular border

Treatable by a medical professional

Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, medications, or in some cases chemotherapy.

Prescription

Dabrafenib, Vemurafenib (Zelboraf), Interferon alfa-2b by injection

Also common

Lifestyle: Sunscreen

Procedures: Wide local excision, Mohs surgery, Radiation therapy, Skin grafting

Specialists

Plastic surgeon: Reconstructs defective, damaged, or missing body parts.

Surgeon: Performs operations to treat disease.

Oncologist: Specializes in cancer.

Dermatologist: Focuses on disorders of skin, nails, and hair.