Cancer Trends Progress Report

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which malignant cells form in melanocytes (cells that color the skin).  While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body and to be a cause of death.  Melanoma may also occur in mucous membranes (thin tissue layers that cover surfaces such as the lips).  Standard treatment for melanoma can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.  Surgery to remove the tumor is the primary treatment for all stages of melanoma; this may include determining whether the melanoma has spread to neighboring lymph nodes.  Systemic therapies and/or radiation therapy may be used following surgery.  Newer treatments including vaccine therapy are being explored in clinical trials.