Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Melanoma en estadio 0
Stage 0 melanoma ( MEH-luh-NOH-muh)
Abnormal melanocytes (cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color) are found in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). These abnormal melanocytes may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Also called melanoma in situ.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.