Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that affects a group of cells called melanocytes. Also called pigment cells, melanocytes are cells specialized in the production of pigment in the skin, hair and eye. In most cases, melanoma begins on the surface of the skin, but it is possible that the tumor develops in the eyes or in internal organs, such as intestine and meninges. 

Unlike many other cancers, the prognosis of melanoma is not alarming; the majority of patients who are diagnosed with early stage melanoma are completely cured. Although survival chances are high, melanoma can be life threatening. The disease can metastasize into lymph and/or other body parts, and decreases considerably the probability of recovery.  

                                                                                 Melanoma Statistics