Melanoma

Malignant tumors of melanocytes originating from pigmented areas of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes and central nervous system. Every year there are 25,000 new cases of malignant melanoma in the country, and about 6,000 people die. The incidence is rising rapidly. Sun exposure is a risk factor, as well as family history, the occurrence of malignant nevus, larger congenital melanocyte nevi, and dysplastic nevus syndrome. Blacks are rare.