Melanoma

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Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in skin cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. While not as common as two other major types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) -- the average lifetime risk of developing skin melanoma is about 1 percent -- as with most cancers, it is more likely to spread if not detected and treated early.

In this section, you can find information about our expertise in treating patients with melanoma, our services, and our research.

Our Approach & Expertise
With each advance in the understanding of the biology of melanoma and its treatment, a multidisciplinary approach to care becomes ever more important.
Our Team of Experts
Our team of doctors with expertise in dermatology, medical oncology, surgery, and radiation oncology work together to diagnose and treat patients with melanoma.
Overview
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is not as common as the other two major types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) but it has been on the rise in recent years.
Risk Factors
People who sunburn easily and tan poorly, people with a family or personal history of melanoma, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher-than-average risk for developing melanoma.
Prevention & Early Detection
Although it's clear that UV radiation can damage DNA, and that high levels of sun exposure are associated with melanoma risk, the exact relationship between UV exposure and melanoma remains unclear.
Diagnosis
Many suspected melanomas are first noticed by the patient or by a family member and brought to the attention of a doctor.
Treatment
Melanoma is usually treated with surgical removal of the primary tumor. Treatment of more advanced melanoma might also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Melanoma of the Eye
The eye is the second most common site in the body for melanomas after skin. However, with only 2,500 cases a year, ocular melanomas are relatively rare and require special techniques for diagnosis and treatment.
Our Clinical Trials
A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for melanoma.
Survivorship & Support
Because melanoma can recur even after complete removal of the cancer -- and because melanoma survivors are at higher-than-average risk for non-melanoma skin cancers -- ongoing follow-up examinations and dermatologic screening by both the patient and the cancer care team are essential.

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