Skin Cancer - Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, cells that are the pigment that gives skin color. Signs of melanoma can include a new spot on the skin or a spot that has changed in size, shape, or color. Another sign is the "ugly duckling sign" which is a spot on the skin that looks different from all the other spots. Skin cancer in general – including melanoma, basal cell skin cancer, and squamous cell skin cancer – is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Melanoma can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. The survival rate for melanoma skin cancer can vary depending on the stage of diagnosis, type of treatment, and other factors.