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What Is Melanoma?

A serious form of skin cancer, melanoma forms in the melanocytes, which are the skin’s pigment cells. When melanocytes cluster together in groups, a mole is formed. Melanocytes can potentially form a cancer when exposed to recurring ultraviolet damage, the most common of which is sun exposure.

There are three layers in our skin – the epidermis is the outer layer, the dermis is the next layer and the hypodermis is the deepest layer. Melanomas are ranked by levels, which refers to the cancer’s depth of skin penetration. An in situ or Level 1 melanoma is located in the epidermis, Levels II, III and IV melanoma are found in the dermis and Level V melanoma occurs in the hypodermis.

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can grow rapidly when left untreated. For this reason, it’s crucial to consult your doctor or dermatologist about any lesions which cause concern.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of cancer that forms in pigment cells (melanocytes). It is most common in the skin and, if left untreated, it is the most aggressive form of skin cancer.
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Types of Melanoma

There are a number of different types of melanoma and your pathology report will describe your melanoma classification.
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Melanoma Facts

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer - get the facts about Melanoma.
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Mutations in Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the cancers with the highest frequency of genetic mutations.
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Rare Melanoma

Rare Melanoma is an uncommon but significant variant of skin cancer, arising from the pigment-producing melanocytes.
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A Guide To Melanoma

This guide provides a starting point for people on their journey with melanoma. It offers introductory information to melanoma patients as well as their carers, family and friends.
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“I had my first surgery when I was 32 weeks pregnant. This was one of the hardest surgeries I went through because I was so worried about my unborn baby.”
Kristen Pickford
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