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melanoma
 
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and 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.
 
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
  • mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin
  • any change in appearance of a pigmented skin lesion
  • bleeding from a skin growth
  • one half of the abnormal area is different from the other half
  • the lesion or growth has irregular edges
  • color changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black
  • trouble spot may be about the size of a pencil eraser or larger
 
Causes
Though it is not certain how all cases of melanoma develop, it is clear that excessive sun exposure can promote melanoma development. There is evidence that ultraviolet radiation used in indoor tanning equipment may also cause melanoma. The risk for developing melanoma may also be inherited.

 
Treatments
Treatment may include:
Specialties
  •  
    		•  dermatology
  •  
    		•  oncology

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