Melanoma
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Development Stage
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Early Development
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U.S. Incidence of Melanoma1
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70,000/Year
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About Melanoma and Genomic Health's Products in Development
Melanoma is a form of cancer involving the cells that make the pigment melanin.
It is most often seen on the skin but can also occur in other pigmented tissue,
including the eyes and intestines. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer.
It is associated with sun exposure, is more common in males and Caucasians and is
more common in Caucasians living in sunny climates than other groups. Melanoma is
one of the rarest types of skin cancer but the type associated with the most skin
cancer deaths.2 Melanoma is curable if caught early stage. Melanoma treatment
often involves removal of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
A test which would provide insight into the individual biology and behavior of newly
diagnosed melanomas is greatly needed in order to facilitate treatment decisions
for melanoma patients. Genomic Health is working to develop such tests.
Learn more about additional Genomic Health products in development:
For more information about the stages of melanoma, melanoma prognosis and melanoma
treatment, visit the National Cancer Institute's Melanoma page or the nonprofit group skincancer.org.
- MattsonJack DaVinci ©2004, 2007.
- American Cancer Society 2007 Statistics. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2007PWSecured.pdf. Accessed
July 22, 2008.