Believe it or not, even with the growing awareness of skin care and sun safety, the main cause of death from a form of skin disease is melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and it can be quite serious and aggressive, making it very important to address quickly. When melanoma occurs, melanocytes are affected. Melanocytes are specific types of cells that are in charge of giving skin its pigmentation, which is referred to as melanin. Melanin is a natural material that provides color for the skin and hair.
While everyone tends to think of just the skin area when discussing melanoma, it can also affect the iris of the eye, which is the area that is colored. That being said, it is most common for melanoma to develop on the skin that overall appears normal. It can also start off as a mole or other area that is abnormal and can change with time. Moles that are present from very early on, even birth, can develop into melanoma.
While everyone tends to think of just the skin area when discussing melanoma, it can also affect the iris of the eye, which is the area that is colored. That being said, it is most common for melanoma to develop on the skin that overall appears normal. It can also start off as a mole or other area that is abnormal and can change with time. Moles that are present from very early on, even birth, can develop into melanoma.