Melanoma
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that arises when pigment-producing cells-known as melanocytes-mutate and become cancerous.
Most pigment cells are found in the skin, but melanoma can also occur in the eyes (ocular melanoma) and other parts of the body, including, rarely, the intestines. It is rare in people with darker skin.
Melanoma is just one type of skin cancer. It is less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it can be dangerous because it is more likely to spread, or metastasize.
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but certain areas are more prone than others. In men, it is most likely to affect the chest and the back. In women, the legs are the most common site. Other common sites are the neck and face.