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Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. It accounts for only 4.0% of total skin cancer's
diagnosed, yet 73% of deaths, due to skin cancer are because of melanoma. Melanoma primarily
happens in Caucasians yet it's important to remember that Indians, African-Americans,
Asians can also get melanoma. Melanoma can happen on sun-exposed areas, but it can also
happen on the rest of the body. Melanoma can happen in your nails. Melanoma can happen
on your palms and soles. In fact, melanoma can even happen in your retina inside your
eye.
If you have a history of melanoma or if you have a family history of melanoma, it is very
important to see a dermatologist regularly, for a full body check. Not only sun-exposed
areas and existing moles, but normal looking skin should also be examined for early signs
of melanoma. Most melanomas arise just de novo. This means it's not because of a changing
mole, but's it's because of a newly appearing mole. So if you have a new appearing mole
that does not look like the rest of the moles you have, it is very important to see a dermatologist
for a skin biopsy.