Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.  An early diagnosis is vital to obtain a cure.  Once the cancer advances (metastazises) to other parts of the body, it is very difficult to treat and can be deadly.  The incidence of melanoma has been rising in the United States over the past ten years.

Most melanomas are black or brown.  Some can be skin-colored, pink, red or purple in the form of nodules or multi-colored patches.  The typical appearing melanoma is usually invasive at the time of diagnosis.  It becomes recognizable when it becomes a bump.  Some melanomas may crust or bleed.  Many of them develop in a pre-existing mole.

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If you notice the development of a skin growth, open sore or lesion that fails to heal, or a change in a preexisting skin growth, contact a qualified healthcare professional immediately.  With an early diagnosis, often, all that is needed is a simple surgical procedure to obtain a cure.