Melanoma, meanwhile, begins in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. These cells are found in the base of the epidermis. People with one or two of these risk factors have more than three times the risk for developing malignant melanoma, compared with the general population, Rigal says. Those with three or more of the factors have a 20-fold increased risk. The key is to catch melanomas early, when they're small.
Most early lesions grow at an uneven rate, resulting in an asymmetric pattern.
B order Irregularity. The uneven growth rate also results in an irregular border. C olor Variegation. Irregular growth also causes new shades of black, and light and dark brown. All rights reserved.