Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. A look into what melanoma looks like, the symptoms, treatment options and photographs of the disease.

Nodular melanoma occurs most often on the chest or back. It is most commonly found in middle-aged people. It tends to grow deeper into the skin quite quickly if it is not removed. This type of melanoma is often raised above the rest of the skin surface and feels like a bump. It may be very dark brown-black or black.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. It involves cells called melanocytes, which produce a skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. Melanoma can also involve the colored part of the eye. For information about that form of melanoma, see melanoma of the eye.

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is estimated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. The annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year, representing a growing public concern. It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once.

Melanoma can develop in an existing mole or other mark on the skin, but it often develops in unmarked skin. Although melanoma can grow anywhere on the body, it frequently occurs on the upper back of men and women and on the legs in women. Less commonly, it can develop on the soles, palms, nail beds, or mucous membranes that line body cavities such as the mouth, the rectum, and the vagina.

If melanoma is not detected early, it can be fatal. Most patients can be cured with minor surgery if melanoma is found early. The four major types of melanoma are lentigo melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma and nodular melanoma.

Like many cancers, skin cancers start as precancerous lesions. These precancerous lesions are changes in skin that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. Medical professionals often refer to these changes as dysplasia.

Melanoma can affect most parts of the body. Melanoma may begin in or near a mole or other dark spot in the skin. It is important to be familiar with your skin and the pattern or moles, freckles and "beauty marks". Pay close attention if the size of your moles, freckles or beauty marks change in color or shape. The most common site in women is on the legs. In men, the most common place is the back.

Malignant melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer. It is also the most aggressive. It spreads to surrounding tissues very quickly. It also invades other parts of the body, especially the lungs and liver.
Causes

It is not certain how all cases of melanoma develop. However, it is clear that excessive sun exposure, especially severe blistering sunburns early in life, can promote melanoma development. There is evidence that ultraviolet radiation used in indoor tanning equipment may cause melanoma. The risk for developing melanoma may also be inherited.