Pathology · Integumentary System · Easy

Melanoma

Meaning: Malignant tumour of pigment-producing cells, most often arising in the skin.

In practice: Assess moles with ABCDE: asymmetry, irregular border, colour variation, diameter over 6 mm and evolution.

Word parts

  • -oma means a lump, mass or tumour

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related pathology words.

Which word means: Relating to or resembling a cyst — an abnormal fluid-filled sac within tissue.

Which word means: Solitary, localised tumour of malignant antibody-producing B-lineage cells within a single bone.

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Related words

More pathology terms · All medical words