What is melanoma?
Melanoma is less common than some other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to grow and spread. Melanoma occurs when skin cells called melanocytes begin to grow rapidly and abnormally. This type of skin cancer is most likely to spread to other areas of the body. Radial growth is when the melanoma spreads along the top layers of your skin. Vertical growth is when the skin cancer grows into the deeper layers of skin and spreads to other areas of the body.
Understanding the risk factors, signs and symptoms of melanoma, and regular skin self-exams are important factors the prevention and early detection of skin cancer.