melanoma

[ mel-uh-noh-muh ]

noun

, plural mel·a·no·mas, mel·a·no·ma·ta [mel-, uh, -, noh, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. any of several types of skin tumors characterized by the malignant growth of melanocytes.

melanoma

/ ˌmɛləˈnəʊmə /

noun

1. pathol a malignant tumour composed of melanocytes, occurring esp in the skin, often as a result of excessive exposure to sunlight

melanoma

/ mĕl′ə-nō′mə /

, Plural melanomas mĕl′ə-nō′mə-tə

1. A dark-pigmented benign or malignant tumor that arises from a melanocyte and occurs most commonly in the skin. Malignant melanoma metastasizes quickly and is associated with sun exposure.

melanoma

1. A serious, often lethal, form of skin cancer .

Notes

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun (for example, by too much sunbathing) can cause this disease.

Word History and Origins

Origin of melanoma¹

First recorded in 1825–35; melan- + -oma

Example Sentences

When attempting to detect skin cancers, for example, mistakes are often made by the human examiners who confuse very similar-looking but harmless conditions with potentially fatal melanomas.

From Science Daily

It may also help dermatologists quickly catch cases of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that kills more than 8,000 Americans a year.

From Science Daily

His advanced melanoma skin cancer was only stopped by the revolutionary treatment that recruits the body's own immune system to fight the disease.

From BBC

He is now free of his cancer - melanoma.

From BBC

The researchers used a common amino acid, tyrosine, packaged as a nanomedicine, to change the metabolism of melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, and prevent cancer growth.

From Science Daily