Melanoma. Close-up of an amelanotic (or unpigmented) malignant melanoma skin cancer from an 86 year-old male patient. Melanomas are cancerous tumours

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Melanoma. Close-up of an amelanotic (or unpigmented) malignant melanoma skin cancer from an 86 year-old male patient. Melanomas are cancerous tumours of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that colours the skin, hair & eyes). They usually occur in the skin, but may also appear in the eyes and mucous membranes. They may contain melanin or be free of pigment. Spread of this cancer to the lymph nodes and liver is common. As it is the most serious type of skin cancer, early diagnosis of melanoma is essential. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumour; radiotherapy and anticancer drugs may also be necessary.

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Size: 5069px × 3313px
Photo credit: © DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: amelanoti, amelanotic, cancer, cancerous, condition, disease, disorder, healthcare, malignancy, malignant, medical, medicine, melanoma, skin