Melanoma is a type of cancer originating from the cells that give color to the skin. These cells are called melanocytes. Some melanomas arise in normal skin and others arise in pigmented skin (moles). Melanoma is a relatively common type of cancer.

If melanoma is not detected early, it can be fatal. Most patients can be cured with minor surgery if melanoma is found early. The four major types of melanoma are lentigo melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma and nodular...