Surprising Facts About Melanoma

Skin cancer is cancer of the skin — it’s in the name, right? Not entirely. Melanoma usually forms on the skin, but the American Cancer Society writes that it can also be found in the eyes or mouth. Other rare forms — such as melanoma of the uterus, intestines, genitals and anus — also develop. Since melanoma forms in the cells that make pigment, any pigmented tissue could potentially develop melanoma, but it most commonly develops in the skin. Some of these, such as melanoma of the uterus, are so rare, there is no standardized care. Others, such as ocular melanoma (of the eyes) can be diagnosed through an eye exam, ultrasound, or imaging. Since untreated melanoma can also spread to other parts of the body, this is called metastatic melanoma.