The information contained within the Grand Rounds Archive is intended for use by doctors and other health care professionals. These documents were prepared by resident physicians for presentation and discussion at a conference held at The Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. No guarantees are made with respect to accuracy or timeliness of this material. Between 2 and 3 billion melanocytes in the human body provide pigmentation to the skin and hair by producing melanin.
Melanocytes develop from neuroectodermal elements in the early stages of gestation.
Melanomas develop from the malignant neoplastic transformation of these cells. The reported incidence in the U.S. population is 4 cases per 100,000, while the incidence in Australia is as high as 40 cases per 100,000. Ethnicity and sun exposure appear to play a major role in the development of cutaneous melanoma. Ultraviolet B light is thought to be the most important factor in sun exposure. According to epidemiologic data, those with blond hair, blue eyes, and those that tend to burn or freckle easily after sun exposure are at the highest risk.