Cancer Types And The Cells They Originate From

Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in the skin cells responsible for producing pigment. These cells are referred to as melanocytes, and they are located in the upper layer of the skin and produce melanin, a pigment that provides the skin with its coloring. When the cells of the skin are exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, the melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin, which makes the skin tan. While this process is designed in the body to protect the tissues that sit under the skin, it can also cause problems. Ultraviolet exposure can cause excessive damage to cellular DNA in the melanocytes, which may cause them to grow quickly and reproduce out of control.

Four types of melanoma can develop in an individual. Superficial spreading melanoma grows on the surface of the skin for an extended period before it affects other tissues underneath it. Lentigo maligna melanoma occurs most often in older individuals and may grow slightly faster than superficial spreading melanoma. Acral lentiginous melanoma grows under the nails, on the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. Nodular melanoma grows deep into the skin and aggressively spreads to other tissues.