ABSTRACT
There are cells that suffer uncontrolled growth with loss of contact inhibition and alterations in the nucleus, affecting the maintenance of telomeres in the chromosomes, forming a tumor. Telomeres have a tendency to merge, making repairs of DNA impracticable, taking the loss of genetic information and producing chromosomal aberrations. In relation to telomeres, there is a protein known as telomerase, hyperactive in several neoplasms, such as melanoma. The integrity and stability of chromosomes is one of the key factors that must be maintained for good functioning and propagation of an organism. In this revision, only aspects related to melanoma, telomeres and telomerase are addressed, pointing to the contribution of genetic and mutagenic environmental factors for carcinogenic development.