Melanoma starts in the body’s pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes. The areas of the body that are most commonly affected are the skin and the eyes (called ocular melanoma).
Many skin melanomas are thought to occur when ultraviolet (UV) light — both from the sun and from indoor tanning beds or booths — damages the genetic material in the melanocytes. It’s also possible for melanoma to develop in parts of your body not exposed to sunlight, such as the membranes lining your eyes, sinuses, anus, or vagina, though this is relatively rare.
Any person, no matter their skin color, race, ethnicity, gender, or age, can develop melanoma. Knowing the risk factors and early signs of the disease is important because you — not your doctor — will most often notice melanoma first.
