Melanoma

Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that color the skin. Melanocytes are found in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Although melanoma most often begins in the skin, it can also arise in other sites such as the eye. It is more likely than other common skin cancers to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Staged with the TNM system (AJCC), based on tumor thickness (T), spread to lymph nodes (N), and metastasis (M).