Melanom is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin. It often appears as a new or changing mole, and can vary in color, shape, and size. Early detection is crucial, as it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. Risk factors for melanom include excessive sun exposure, a history of sunburns, and having many moles or atypical moles. Regular skin checks and monitoring changes in existing moles can help in identifying melanom early, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.