Melanoma

Melanoma is the malignant tumor that involves the  melanin or pigment of the skin cells. It can also involve the pigmented portion of the eye. Common risk factors include family history of melanoma; overexposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun; red or blond hair. Prevention includes the use of sun screen or any means of protection against overexposure to the sun. Therapy consists of surgical removal of the tumor accompanied or followed by radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.