Melanoma is a curable form of skin cancer which usually develops from a mole or even a freckle. However, it can appear from unblemished skin
If not treated early and appropriately melanoma can spread to lymph nodes and sometimes into the bloodstream where it acts like any other cancer and can be fatal.
Melanoma risk is related to sunlight damage of the skin and the number of moles you have.
People with sun sensitive skin, who burn and freckle easily, or who have lots of moles, are at greater risk of developing all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma.
They must therefore be even more careful to check their skin regularly.
Most sunlight damage to skin occurs during childhood and adolescence. This is therefore the time when special care is needed to prevent over exposure
Infomation
in this section
supplied by
The Melanoma& Skin Cancer
Research Institute
