Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops from the pigment producing cells of the skin. If untreated it can spread through the body and is potentially fatal.

In many parts of the world melanoma is becoming more common. However, it is still unusual to have more than one case of melanoma in a single family. When more than one person in a family has a melanoma, there might be something ‘running in the family’. That ‘something’ could mean other family members are more likely to get a melanoma than people outside the family.

The following information is for people who suspect that their family carries an increased risk of melanoma. It is also for people who have been told that they have such an increased risk.

Words in bold are defined in the Glossary at the bottom of this page.

There is a detailed CD-Rom/DVD called “Melanoma – Dealing with the diagnosis”. This was produced by Professor Newton Bishop, and colleagues from St James’s University Hospital in Leeds and from Bradford Royal Infirmary. The presentation contains text about melanoma, its diagnosis and treatment.

The information in this booklet is about dealing with melanoma, and is intended for patients who have recently been diagnosed with melanoma, and their families. This booklet contains written information, illustrations and photographs.

To download and view the PDF online version please click here.

The following information can be found on this web site:

"Melanoma - Dealing with the diagnosis".
This is a detailed audio-visual presentation produced by Professor Newton Bishop and colleagues from St James's University Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary. The presentation contains information about melanoma, its diagnosis and treatment. There are video clips showing self-examination and clips of patients talking about their own experiences. There are also photographs of moles and melanomas designed to help patients self-examine with confidence. This represents the views of the Leeds group and of British patients rather than those of GenoMEL as a whole.

To view the online version please click on one of the options below.
With voiceovers – slow, recommended only if you have a broadband connection.
Without voiceovers – much quicker than the one above

Page updated: 23/10/07