Melanoma is a type of cancer that forms from melanocytes. A melanocyte is a normal cell found in the skin that produces melanin. Melanin is a black or dark brown pigment that is seen in the skin, hair, and parts of the eye.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Other more common, but usually less serious, types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Of the many different types of melanoma, most are seen in the skin (this also includes nail beds, soles of the feet, and scalp), but melanoma can also occur in the eye, or on mucosal surfaces which include the anal canal, rectum, and vagina.
Pigmented Lesions are skin spots that are brown or black. They are usually moles. Pigmented lesions may change in size, color or border shape. They may itch or sting. Such changes could be warning signs that melanoma may be developing.
Careful monitoring of moles and quick action when they change in a suspicious way are among the steps you and your doctor can take to prevent melanoma and its consequences.
Patients with melanoma or pigmented lesions will be cared for by the team from Penn's Melanoma Program and its Pigmented Lesion/Melanoma Practice.
The Abramson Cancer Center hosts a wide range of materials and activities that provide education and support to address key areas of concern for cancer patients and their loved ones. We are proud that many of our innovative patient education programs have been recognized by national groups, including the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Patient Education Network.
Our educational materials and support activities help people deal with the physical and emotional consequences of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also assist patients and families to resume active lives after treatment.
Our support group meetings provide information on topics of ... read more Support
Different treatments are available for those with melanoma. Some treatments are called standard. This means they are the currently used treatments. Some treatments are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments.
When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. You may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment, while others are available during or after treatment.
Treatment options vary depending on your situation including the stage of the cancer and other factors that may be... read more Treatment
OncoLink - Sun Safety: Being sun smart is being cancer smart!
Media Hub for Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers - Watch Videos!
Melanoma Treatment: A Video Guide featuring melanoma experts from the Abramson Cancer Center
6th Annual Focus on Melanoma Podcast, Photos and More!
Targeted Therapy for Melanoma- View Presentation from Keith Flaherty, MD, at the Abramson Cancer Center's Research Report: Celebrating Innovations 2008
Melanoma, Prevention & Early Detection: The Pigmented Lesion - View Presentation from Michael Ming, MD, MSCE, at the Abramson Cancer Center's Research Report: Celebrating Innovations 2008
Visit Abramson Cancer Center's Pigmented Lesion Clinic
Listen to Lynn Schuchter, MD replay at Educational Teleconference: Melanoma 101
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