MelanomaMelanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer. Melanoma is complicated by how it occurs, signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment. There are many types of cancer, but melanoma is one cancer we don't hear about that often. Melanoma begins in melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that produce the pigment melanin according to (www.skincancer.org). Cancerous growths can develop from UV lights and the sun. One source of UV lights would be the tanning bed. These sources caused the cells to trigger the mutation. Trigger mutations cause genetic defects. Genetic defects lead to the multiplication of skin cells and the formation of malignant tumors. Tumors can multiply in colors such as black, brown, pink, red, purple, blue and white according to (www.skincancer.org). “These tumors originate in pigment-producing melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis.” Stated by (www.skincancer.org). If tumors are recognized early they are more likely to be curable. Some people are not so lucky and they spread throughout the body, making cancer more difficult to treat. According to (www.skincancer.org) “120,000 new cases of melanoma in the United States are diagnosed in a year. In 2010 approximately 68,130 invasive melanomas, of which approximately 38,870 in males and 29,260 in females. “Melanoma develops in areas most exposed to the sun. Melanoma can also occur in areas such as the feet, palms, and nail beds. This is less likely, but occurs more often in people with darker skin. (www.mayoclinic.org). One of the first signs of melanoma is a change in an existing mole or an unusual growth on the skin. (www.skincancer.org) explains the ABCDE signs of a mole. A stands for Asymmetry. The way to determine this... middle of the paper... is for your doctor to perform surgery to remove the cancer. Stage 1 will also require surgery, may also require sentinel node biopsy and interferon. Phase 2 will require surgery, sentinel node biopsy, and interferon after surgery. The patient may also be considered for a clinical trial. The stage 3 patient will receive surgery, interferon, possibly radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Immunotherapy may also be performed. Phase 4 consists of surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy. The patient may also be considered for a clinical trial. The patient can decide to stop treatment. Melanoma is a serious cancer that needs to be monitored. Melanoma is complicated by how it occurs, signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help detect melanoma early to prevent the cancer from spreading and start treatment.