Melonoma skin cancer

These melanocytes are cells that give humans their tan to brown colour of the skin and hair. Like other cancers in the body, in melanoma there is an uncontrollable growth of abnormal melanocytes (pigment producing cells) that spread quickly in the skin, then progress to spread to other areas of the body. These areas of spread include the lymph nodes, the brain and other body organs. Melanoma can arise from the skin, the eyes and parts of the nervous system called the Leptomeninges that contain these melanin producing cells. The causes of melanoma include a complex interplay of genetic factors, ultraviolet rays of sun, and factors that affect the immune system.

Who is at risk for melanoma?