Melanoma is a skin cancer that affects a type of cell found commonly in your skin. These cells are known as melanocytes, and they are responsible for producing the pigments which give your skin its distinctive color.

On occasion, errors can develop in the chemical control mechanisms which affect the ability of the melanocytes to replicate. The melanocytes can then become cancerous. Melanocytes that have lost a proper control of their replication will divide and grow faster than the normal cell would. This is the definition of cancer.

Melanocytes that have become cancerous fall into two very broad categories. The first are benign cancers. Benign cancers are cancers that have not yet spread to other parts of the body. The other type of cancer is a metastatic cancer. By definition a metastatic cancer is one that has spread to other parts of the body causing damage to organs other than the ones it originated from. Metastatic cancer is almost always fatal if not treated aggressively.

Cancers of the melanocytes differ from other skin cancers in that they are more likely to metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. Because of this it is very important to identify a potential melanoma early, allowing the doctors the best chance to treat the problem before it spreads. The earlier and melanoma is discovered, the better chance the doctor has to effect a cure.

RISK FACTORS FOR MELANOMA

There are some very specific risk factors to look for in determining whether you're likely to get a melanoma. Sun exposure is the primary risk factor for getting a melanoma. People who have a skin tone in which the skin burns frequently, but does not tan well, are more likely to get a melanoma.

Melanoma does have a family association, making it more likely for you to get a cancer like this if you've had a family member who's had one also. You should also keep an eye on any moles that you may have on your skin. People who have large numbers of moles and/or a very large mole are at increased risk for developing a melanoma.

WHAT DOES A MELANOMA LOOK LIKE?

A melanoma typically looks like a small dark-colored mole or possibly a shaded growth seen on your skin. There is a mnemonic for evaluating whether a mole has the potential to become a melanoma. This rule is simply known as the "ABCDE" rule, and is an easy way to remember what to look for in a potential melanoma.

"A" stands for asymmetry. A mall that is potentially cancerous will have an uneven

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