Final answer:
A melanoma is a cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis. It usually develops from a mole and appears as asymmetrical brown and black patches with irregular borders and a raised surface. Treatment involves surgical excision and immunotherapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A melanoma is a cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis. It typically develops from a mole and is the most fatal of all skin cancers, as it can spread to other organs. Melanomas usually appear as asymmetrical brown and black patches with uneven borders and a raised surface.
The ABCDE acronym can be used to identify potential signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: The two sides are not symmetrical.
- Borders: The edges are irregular in shape.
- Color: The color is varied shades of brown or black.
- Diameter: The lesion has a relatively great diameter.
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Treatment for melanoma typically involves surgical excision and immunotherapy.