| A type of skin cancer arising from the pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes). The tumors typically appear as irregularly shaped, raised growths that are dark brown, black or tan in color. The incidence for melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate, but it can be cured when detected early. Risk factors include a family history of melanoma, severe sunburn before age 14, red hair and freckling, inability to tan, numerous moles on the skin and unusual shaped or colored moles. |