Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is cancer of the cells that are found in moles. The cancer can spread from the mole to other parts of the body.
It is commonly caused by too much exposure to the sun. People who have had several severe sunburns in the past are at higher risk, as are people who have light-colored skin or who freckle easily. Use of a tanning salon can also place people at risk. Melanoma seems to run in some families.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?
 The first sign of melanoma is usually a change in the look of a mole. Another sign is the arrival of a new, odd-looking mole. A mole that itches or bleeds should also be checked by your doctor.
There are warning signs to look for in an old or new mole. The signs can be remembered as 'ABCDE'.  

• A for Asymmetry: the shape on one side of the mole is different than the shape on the other side
• B for Border: the edge of the mole is uneven
• C for Color: different colors are present. Shades can include tan, brown, black, blue, red, white, pink, or gray
• D for Diameter: the mole is larger than a pencil eraser
• E for Elevation or Enlargement: the mole is raised above the skin. A mole that is enlarging is probably the most important clue that it might be melanoma

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes – the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Melanoma is almost always curable when it is detected in its early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers, and it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.

Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. If you find any of the changes listed above or , if you have a question or concern about something on your skin, see your doctor.