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Melanoma: meaning, definitions and examples

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melanoma

 

[ mɛləˈnoʊmə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. It is considered the most serious form of skin cancer due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. The primary cause of melanoma is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Synonyms

malignant melanoma, skin cancer

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed with melanoma after noticing a change in her mole.
  • Early detection of melanoma can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
  • Using sunscreen can help reduce the risk of developing melanoma.

Translations

Translations of the word "melanoma" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melanoma

🇮🇳 मेलनॉमा

🇩🇪 Melanom

🇮🇩 melanoma

🇺🇦 меланома

🇵🇱 czerniak

🇯🇵 メラノーマ

🇫🇷 mélanome

🇪🇸 melanoma

🇹🇷 melanom

🇰🇷 흑색종

🇸🇦 ميلانوما

🇨🇿 melanom

🇸🇰 melanóm

🇨🇳 黑色素瘤

🇸🇮 melanom

🇮🇸 melanoma

🇰🇿 меланома

🇬🇪 მელანომა

🇦🇿 melanoma

🇲🇽 melanoma

Etymology

The term 'melanoma' originates from the Greek words 'melas' meaning 'black' and 'oma' meaning 'tumor' or 'swelling'. This reflects the dark pigment associated with this type of skin cancer, as melanoma often appears as a dark lesion on the skin. The first historical descriptions of melanoma date back to the early 19th century when physicians began to categorize skin lesions more precisely. Over the years, the understanding of melanoma's characteristics and risk factors has evolved, with a greater emphasis on the role of UV exposure and genetic predisposition in the development of this disease. In medical literature, melanoma has become a significant focus of research due to its aggressive nature and increasing incidence rates globally. Today, melanoma is a critical area of study within dermatology and oncology, and advances continue to be made in early detection and treatment strategies.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,871, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.