A serious type of skin cancer: Malignant melanoma takes place in the melanocytes, the cells that produce "melanin", the pigment that colors the skin, hair, and even the iris of the eyes.

Malignant melanomas causes cancers that occur and are most common in middle-aged and elderly people with pale skin who have been exposed to strong sunlight over many years.

The growth of malignant melanoma usually develops on exposed areas of skin, but it may take place under the fingernails or toenails and even in the eyes.