While it's less common than other skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is more dangerous due to its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome.

Key points about melanoma:

Causes:

Melanoma is primarily caused by DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.

Genetics and family history also play a role.

Risk Factors:

Fair skin, a history of sunburns, numerous moles, a family history of melanoma, and a personal history of melanoma are all risk factors.

Symptoms:

Melanoma often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, such as a change in size, shape, or color.

It can also appear as a spot that looks different from other moles on the skin.

Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to the sun.

Types:

Melanoma has several subtypes, including superficial spreading melanoma (most common), nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and acral lentiginous melanoma.

Prevention:

Protecting skin from the sun, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds, is important for melanoma prevention.

Treatment: