Cancer Answers 123

Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in melanocytes which are the cells that make the pigment melanin. It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.

New cases and deaths from melanoma in the United States in 2008 are estimated to be approximately 62,480 with deaths totaling 8,420.

For more information regarding Melanoma from the National Cancer Institute’s website please visit http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma.