Melanoma

Melanoma is a tumor of the skin that is cancerous, it grows from the melanocytes (the cells that color and tan the skin).  Melanoma can appear on the body as a new mole or one that has changed in size, shape, feeling, color or bleeding.  Most melanomas are dark but can sometimes they may be flesh colored or pink to red.  Surgery is the primary way to treat all stages of melanoma.  Depending on the depth of the melanoma more extensive treatment may be required.  Patients with a history of melanoma should also be monitored closely as well as their first degree family for any suspicious lesions.