Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from the pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. It is the most serious type of skin cancer due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body and cause serious illness and death.

Causes

The primary cause of malignant melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) exposure in those with low levels of skin pigment. The UV light may be from either the sun or from other sources, such as tanning devices. About 25% of cases occur from moles. Those with many moles, a history of affected family members, and who have poor immune function are at greater risk. A number of rare genetic defects such as xeroderma pigmentosum also increase risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is by biopsy and analysis of any skin lesion that has signs of being potentially malignant. Early detection and removal of potentially malignant moles can decrease the risk of spread.

Treatment

Treatment is typically removal by surgery. In those with slightly larger cancers, nearby lymph nodes may be tested for spread (metastasis). Most people are cured if spread has not occurred. For those in whom melanoma has spread, immunotherapy, biologic therapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may improve survival. With treatment the five-year survival rates in the United States is 98% among those with localized disease and 17% among those in whom spread has occurred.

Epidemiology

Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers. However, it is the most deadly. Worldwide, in 2012, it newly occurred in 232,000 people. In 2015, there were 3.1 million people with active disease which resulted in 59,800 deaths. Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. There are also high rates in Northern Europe and North America, while it is less common in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

See also

• Skin cancer
• Melanocytes
• Cancer
• Biopsy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

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