Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If diagnosed and removed while it is still thin and limited to the outermost skin layer it is almost 100% curable. Once the cancer advances and metastasizes (spreads) to other parts of the body, it is hard to treat and can be deadly. Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates in melanocytes, the cells which produce the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes and is heavily concentrated in most moles. The majority of melanomas, therefore, are black or brown. However, melanomas occasionally stop producing pigment. When that happens, the melanomas may no longer be dark, but are skin-colored, pink, red, or purple. Ask your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon about suspected areas on your face or in your mouth.