What does melanoma mean?
Melanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin pigment. It most often appears as a lesion on the skin, but melanomas can also form in the eyes and, less frequently, in other parts of the body. The term is especially associated with the potentially serious disease known as cutaneous melanoma, which can become metastatic if it is not treated at an early stage. Warning signs can include a mole or pigmented area that changes in size, shape, color, or appearance, although not every melanoma resembles an obvious mole. Accurate diagnosis requires clinical examination and usually a biopsy. Regular skin checks and protection from ultraviolet radiation can reduce risk, particularly for people with numerous or atypical moles and those with a personal or family history of the disease. Melanoma is medically important because early detection and treatment substantially improve outcomes.
nounA malignant tumor arising from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, although melanomas can also occur in the eyes and, less commonly, in other tissues. Melanoma is a serious form of cancer that may spread to distant parts of the body.
- A malignant tumor arising from melanocytes, most commonly in the skin but also in the eyes and, less commonly, in other tissues.
"Early diagnosis is important because melanoma is more successfully treated when it is detected before it spreads."
"The biopsy confirmed that the lesion was a melanoma."
"Public health campaigns emphasize sun protection because UV exposure increases the risk of melanoma."
Use the plural form when referring to multiple cases or instances of the disease.
"Researchers are studying how melanomas develop resistance to treatment."
Melanoma can develop from an ordinary mole, so a changing or unusual mole is worth having examined promptly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does melanoma come from?
The word combines the Greek roots melan-, meaning black, and -ōma, meaning swelling or tumor. The terminology reflects the dark pigmentation traditionally associated with many melanomas. Related medical terms including melanin, melanocyte, melanosis, and melanophore were developed from the same Greek root for black or dark pigmentation.
Related word forms
How melanoma is actually used
In medical and public-health contexts, melanoma generally refers to the disease or tumor and is often used alongside modifiers such as malignant, cutaneous, uveal, or metastatic. It should not be used as a synonym for a benign mole or pigmented skin lesion.
Easily confused with melanoma
A melanocyte is a normal pigment-producing cell, whereas melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from such cells.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, while melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes and may occur in the skin, eyes, or other tissues.