Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Our skin has certain cells in the epidermal layer called melanocytes. The task of these cells is to produce pigment to protect us and our skin and our body from the harmful effect of the UV rays and they respond to sunlight by giving our skin a tan. As the colour of the pigment the melanocytes produce is brown, the tumours developing from these cells are usually also dark (brown or black), but this is not a rule, some may also be without colour.

As melanomas may also be benign in addition to malignant, when the melanoma is cancerous (malignant), it may grow very dangerous if not detected early enough.

One of the main sources of melanoma is ultraviolet radiation either from the sun or the tanning-beds, which are very popular nowadays. When there is too much exposure to the sun and too often, the risk is very high.

Other indicators of a high risk of developing melanoma is the existence and the speedy forming of moles.

Also, if you have already suffered from melanoma, the risk of developing melanoma again is very high, so precautions should be exploited at all times.

To prevent melanoma you should protect your skin from excessive sunlight by wearing sunscreen or protecting your skin with clothes. Avoid sunburns!

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin around the eyes.

Also, in case you discover odd moles or patches on your skin you should let an expert examine them.