ABSTRACT
Melanoma arises from melanocytes, which are derived from the neural crest and migrate to the skin during embryonic development. Their primary function is to generate melanin pigment, which contributes to skin color and provides protection from the sun. Aggregates of melanocytes within the skin form nevi, and malignant degeneration of melanocytes, either de novo or within nevi is the origin of melanoma. This chapter focuses on cutaneous melanoma, although a small percentage of melanoma arises from extracutaneous sites. The study of melanoma is broad, with entire textbooks dedicated to the topic. General principles will be addressed in this discussion, and the reader is referred to more comprehensive texts for more detailed information.
