Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops from pigment cells (melanocytes). Pigment cells are mainly found in the skin. They group together to form a mole. Melanoma occurs when a group of pigment cells have been transformed into cancer cells.
Detection and removal of a melanoma is very important. Once the melanoma is removed, in most people the disease never returns. In some people, the melanoma does return and it can spread (metastasise).
The melanoma is more likely to spread in the body if the melanoma is thicker. This thickness of the melanoma is measured under the microscope.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
