If multiple family members of your chosen child have developed melanoma, then other family members, including your chosen child, should have regular exams as melanoma seems to run in families. A person with numerous dysplastic nevi also should be examined regularly. An infant born with a congenital nevi or giant hairy nevi may have an increased risk of malignant melanoma, those bigger than the open palm of an adult pose the greatest risk.

Moles are growths on the skin. Physicians label moles, nevi and one mole is called a nevus. Moles grow when skin cells, called melanocytes, grow in a small group with tissue surrounding them. Typical moles are pink, tan, brown, or flesh-colored, and can be flat or raised.

Melanocytes produce the black or dark brown pigment melanin and are spread evenly throughout the skin causing the skins natural color. Melanocytes produce more pigment when the skin is exposed to the sun, which causes the skin to darken.

People generally have between 10 and 40 moles; new moles may develop periodically or flatten, become flesh-colored and disappear. Unusual or atypical moles occur in about one out of every ten people. They are called dysplastic nevi, and doctors believe they are more likely to develop into a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Therefore, you should seek the advice of your doctor if your moles look unusual, grow larger, change in color or shape, bleed, or become painful.
become painful.

Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma occurs if the melanocytes become abnormal and begin to divide without order or control, thus invading and destroying the normal cells around them. The abnormal cells form a growth of malignant or cancerous tissue on the skin surface. Melanoma can begin in an existing mole or as a new growth on the skin.

A biopsy is performed under a microscope to remove either the entire mole or a sample of tissue to check for melanoma. If the melanoma is discovered before it grows downward, below the skin surface, it may be possible to cure it by minimal surgery. If the cancer cells have begun to spread, metastasis, through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, they can form tumors throughout the body, which is much harder to control.

Not everyone who has dysplastic nevi will develop melanoma and not everyone with melanoma had dysplastic nevi. Excessive sun exposure, which causes blistering sunburn, is an avoidable risk factor. Researchers believe that the doubling of melanoma cases over the past 20 years is directly related to an increase in individual’s sun exposure.

People should wear a hat or other protective clothing as well as applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure to reduce their risk of melanoma.

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