Cutaneous melanoma
Frequency
Uncommon
Age Group
Adults & Elderly
Progression
Progressive
Contagious
No
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It most often appears on the skin but can also occur on the eye, mucous membranes, or under the nails. Early detection and complete surgical removal greatly improve the chances of cure.
This is general information. With a scan you'll receive a detailed, personalized analysis — including individual risk assessment, progression tracking and recommended actions.
Melanoma develops when melanocytes accumulate genetic damage and turn malignant, most often under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and inherited susceptibility. In many people, no single clear cause can be identified, but a mix of UV exposure, skin type, and genetics plays a role.
The main risk factors for melanoma are intense or repeated UV exposure, fair skin that burns easily, many or atypical moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, and older age. Darker skin is somewhat protected, but acral and subungual melanomas still occur and are often found later.
The main treatment for melanoma is surgical removal with a safety margin of normal skin around the tumor. If lymph nodes or distant organs are involved, treatment may also include lymph node surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiation, chosen by an oncologist based on stage.
You can lower your melanoma risk by limiting UV exposure, avoiding tanning beds, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and protecting your skin with clothing and shade. Regular self-checks, our AI skin analysis for routine monitoring, and timely doctor visits for changing moles are just as important.
Any mole or dark spot that changes in size, shape, color, or starts itching, bleeding, or ulcerating should be checked urgently by a dermatologist or oncologist. Use our AI skin analysis for regular checks, but don’t delay an in‑person visit if the app or your own observation raises concern.
Melanoma is a medical emergency in the sense that delays can be life‑threatening, so any strongly suspicious lesion should be assessed by a dermatologist or oncologist within days to, at most, a couple of weeks. If a mole is rapidly changing, bleeding, or ulcerating, treat it as urgent and seek in‑person care as soon as possible.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist or physician if you have any concerns.
Lentigo melanoma is a type of melanoma that usually develops on sun‑damaged skin of the face in older adults, often on top of a long‑standing flat brown patch called lentigo maligna (Dubreuilh melanosis). It tends to grow slowly on the surface for years, but once it starts growing deeper it becomes aggressive, can spread to lymph nodes and internal organs, and always needs prompt specialist treatment.
Bowen disease is an early, non‑invasive form of squamous cell skin cancer where abnormal cells are limited to the top layer of the skin. It shows up as a slowly growing red, scaly patch or plaque that doesn’t heal and can eventually turn into invasive skin cancer if not treated.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer that grows from the outer layer of the skin and can invade deeper tissues. It usually appears as a scaly, crusted, or ulcerated spot that slowly enlarges and can destroy nearby skin if not treated in time.
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on sun‑exposed skin caused by long‑term UV damage. It’s considered a precancerous change because a small portion can turn into squamous cell carcinoma over time, so regular checks and often treatment are recommended.
