Melanoma of the Skin

Melanoma of the skin is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that are situated normally at the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanoma incidence and mortality rates are increasing in many countries of the world. This, combined with concern about the added effect of ozone depletion on these rates in the future, has focused attention on the need for public and professional education programs on the prevention and early detection of this tumor.