Sign In Home Contact Us Increase Type Size
Skip navigation links
Popular Resources
Making Healthcare Decisions
Health Information CentersExpand Health Information Centers
Health LibraryExpand Health Library
Health MultimediaExpand Health Multimedia
Health & Wellness DiscountsExpand Health & Wellness Discounts
Hill Health Magazine
Preventive GuidelinesExpand Preventive Guidelines
Interactive Health Tools
Nutrition & RecipesExpand Nutrition & Recipes
Contact Us

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It starts when the pigment-producing cells in your skin (melanocytes) become abnormal and grow out of control.

Melanoma usually looks like a flat, brown or black mole that has irregular, uneven borders. Most melanomas show up as a new spot or skin growth. But they can form in an existing mole or other mark on the skin. Treatment works best when melanoma is found early.

Last Revised: October 12, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.