# melanoma

/ˌmɛɫəˈnoʊmə/ (US) · /mˌɛlɐnˈəʊmɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/melanoma
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a serious type of skin cancer that often starts in a mole. It happens when the cells that give your skin its color grow out of control.

For teachers: a malignant tumour of melanocytes, typically occurring in the skin but also found in the eyes or intestines. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells and carries a high risk of metastasis.

## Examples

- Early detection of melanoma is vital for successful treatment.
- The dermatologist performed a biopsy on the irregular mole to check for signs of melanoma.
- While melanoma is less common than other forms of skin cancer, it is significantly more aggressive and accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths globally.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the disease generally; countable when referring to a specific instance or lesion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.