About Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma skin cancer develops from specialised skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that causes the skin to darken when exposed to the sun. They are found in the epidermis - part of the outer layer of the skin. Non-cancerous growth of melanocytes produces moles and freckles.

Melanomas occur when melanocytes divide uncontrollably and form a mass of cancerous cells. While the reason this occurs is not fully understood, excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation (UV) in sunlight, and from other sources, is thought to be a contributing factor along with mineral deficiencies in selenium, zinc and magnesium.  Melanomas can however occur in areas of the body not necessarily exposed to UV radiation including the eye; the mouth, vulva or vagina; under fingernails and toenails.

Most melanomas can be treated if detected and treated early.  It is therefore important to seek medical advice if any change in a mole or freckle is noticed or even any spot that looks irregular and suspicious. If left untreated melanomas can spread to deeper layers of skin and to other areas of the body via the lymphatic system or blood.  If another tumour develops as a result of the melanoma it is known as a secondary or metastatic tumour.