D03: Melanoma in situ

Melanoma in situ is a type of skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes, the cells that produce skincolor pigment called melanin, start to grow abnormally. It's the earliest stage of melanoma and the cancer cells are only found in the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. The cells in melanoma in situ have not yet spread deeper into the skin or to other parts of the body, so it is categorized as non-invasive. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds are the primary factors that can cause damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to melanoma. Common symptoms include a new growth or a noticeable change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole. Although abnormalities in moles are often the first sign of the condition, other skin changes can also indicate melanoma in situ. It's important to note that early detection significantly increases treatment success rates.