Image of malignant melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the most serious skin cancer and can spread to other places in your body and lead to death. Melanomas begin as changes to an existing mole. The shape becomes asymmetrical and the color becomes uneven. It may start to swell and become hard or lumpy. They are aggressive and must be surgically removed. Melanomas occur in the cells (melanocytes) that produce the melanin that gives skin its color. The main cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Image source: Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust / Scientific Source
Text source: National Organization for Rare Diseases
American Cancer Society
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source: www.medicinenet.com
