May has been designated as Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Melanoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes.

Melanocytes are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. The skin has 2 main layers: the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer).

When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma.

For more information about melanoma risk, prevention, and treatment, go to http://www.american-cancer-center.org/cancer-news/publish/melanoma.shtml.

For information about other types of skin cancer, go to http://www.american-cancer-center.org/cancer-news/publish/skin-cancer-merkel-cell-carcinoma.shtml.