Which term describes a cancerous growth composed of melanocytes?

• A. Basal Cell Carcinoma
• B. Alopecia
• C. Malignant Melanoma
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (C)

Melanocyte-derived cancer is called malignant melanoma. Melanocytes are the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis, so when a malignant (cancerous) growth originates from them, the tumor is melanoma. This term specifically identifies both the cell type (melanocytes) and the malignant nature of the growth. Basal cell carcinoma comes from basal epidermal cells, alopecia is hair loss, and dermatitis is skin inflammation, none of which describe a cancer of melanocytes.