Advanced melanoma spreads into internal organs and may result in death. If detected in the early stages, melanoma usually can be treated successfully.

What Causes Melanoma?
The most important preventable cause is excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

Melanoma has been linked to excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 18 years of life.

Not all melanomas are sun related. Other possible causes include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.