Finding out more information about moles and how they are harmless clusters of melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells in the skin, can provide insight into a skin cancer called melanoma. Melanoma skin cancers are some of the most serious and potentially deadly forms of skin cancer and require a good treatment program planned out by a team of medical specialists.

The Role of Melanocytes

It is important to understand the formation of moles from melanocytes because the melanoma forms of skin cancer also begin in melanocytes. The difference between the two formations is that the melanomas become malignant. When melanomas form in the skin, they are called cutaneous melanomas, and this is the focus of skin cancer. However, melanomas can also occur in the eye, in which they are called ocular melanomas. Melanomas don’t usually form in other places of the body, though.

It is a sad fact that melanomas can form on any part of the skin’s surface. When melanomas affect men, they usually form on the trunk of the body. When they affect women, they may form on the lower legs. Melanomas are very rare in blacks and people with darker skin colorings. Melanomas that affect blacks or people of ethnicities with darker skin colorings may develop in strange areas. These areas can include underneath the fingernails or toenails. They may also form on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

The risk of developing this form of skin cancer may affect people of any age, but it usually increases in risk as a person ages. Yet, melanoma skin cancer is becoming increasingly common in people that are young adults. Scientists have speculated that this is because of the increase in sun exposure and artificial light that people are subjecting themselves to.

Melanoma cancer is serious because it can spread easily. After it has spread, surgery is usually ineffective and other treatment methods must be considered. The cancer can spread to the lymph nodes or liver, lungs, and brain, including other organs of the body. When it spreads, it is still known as skin cancer, but it has metastasized.