HealthJuly 20, 2026
melanoma
/ˌmɛləˈnoʊmə/
Definition
A serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'melas' (black) and 'oma' (a suffix denoting a tumor or mass). It entered English in the early 19th century to describe these characteristically dark-pigmented tumors.
In the news
The article uses this term as an example of a skin condition that is currently overdiagnosed, highlighting the importance of accurate dermatological assessment.
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Read the full article ↗National Geographic