Malignant melanoma is a neoplasm of melanocytes or a neoplasm of the cells that develop from melanocytes. Melanocytes are derived from the neural crest; consequently, although they usually occur on the skin, melanomas can arise in other locations where neural crest cells migrate, such as the gastrointestinal tract and brain. Although it was once considered uncommon, the annual incidence of melanoma has tripled among white persons in the past two decades. Although melanoma accounts for less than 5% of skin cancers, it is responsible for the vast majority of skin-cancer-related deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 96,480 cases of cutaneous melanoma will be diagnosed and 7230 people will die of the disease in the United States in 2019. Early diagnosis is essential to improve the mortality associated with melanoma.
How much do you know about melanomas? Test yourself with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: William James. Fast Five Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Melanomas? - Medscape - Feb 18, 2020.
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