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Dictionary of Cancer Terms
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stage 0 melanoma (... MEH-luh-NOH-muh)

 Abnormal melanocytes (cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color) are found in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). These abnormal melanocytes may become cancer and spread into nearby normal tissue. Also called melanoma in situ.

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Stage 0 melanoma; drawing shows skin anatomy with an abnormal area on the surface of the skin. Both normal and abnormal melanocytes and melanin are shown in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Also shown are the dermis (inner layer of the skin) and the subcutaneous tissue below the dermis.

Previous Definitions:stage 0 hypopharyngeal carcinoma in situ, stage 0 laryngeal carcinoma in situ, stage 0 lip and oral cavity carcinoma in situ, stage 0 maxillary sinus carcinoma in situ, stage 0 medullary thyroid carcinoma in situ
Next Definitions:stage 0 nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus carcinoma in situ, stage 0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma in situ, stage 0 non-small cell lung carcinoma in situ, stage 0 nonmelanoma skin carcinoma in situ, stage 0 oropharyngeal carcinoma in situ