Causes and Diagnoses

Melanoma Causes and Diagnoses

The exact cause of melanoma is unknown, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing melanoma. Risk factors include:

• Age: Melanoma is more common in older individuals, but it is one of the most common cancers in younger individuals
• Gender: Men have a higher overall risk; women are most at risk before age 40
• Exposure to sunlight's UV rays
• Tanning bed and sunlamp use: Artificial tanning has been linked to an increased melanoma risk.
• Having abnormal or many moles
• Having light hair and fair skin
• Family history of melanoma
• Personal history of melanoma
• Certain rare, inherited conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
• A weakened immune system

Diagnoses

Northwestern Medicine dermatologists assess and diagnose moles and melanoma by conducting skin examinations and taking samples of suspicious-looking moles (biopsy). Dermatologists may also recommend a yearly skin exam for people who have numerous moles or an increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer.