Other Skin Conditions That Increase the Risk for Melanoma
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. Nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal and squamous cell carcinomas, increase the risk of dying from other cancers, including melanoma itself, lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder cancer, and leukemia as well as testicular and prostate cancers (in men) and breast cancer (in women).
Basal cell cancer is a malignant skin tumor involving cancerous changes of basal skin cells. Basal cell skin cancers usually occur on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Once a suspicious lesion is found, a biopsy is needed to prove the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma. Treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer. Early treatment by a dermatologist may result in a cure rate of more than 95%, but regular examination by a health care provider is required to watch for new sites of basal cell cancer.
 | Click the icon to see an image of squamous cell cancer. |
Moles (Nevi) and Other Dark Blemishes. Any mole (called a nevus) or other blemish that seems new, changing, or unusual in any way should raise suspicion, but one should not be alarmed by every rash or bump. Benign (noncancerous) moles (nevi) typically have the following characteristics:
- Benign moles generally remain small with clearly defined, regular borders and uniform coloration. Some have a regular stippled or net-like pattern of pigmentation, however, and may even resemble early melanoma.
- They typically first appear during childhood, puberty, or young adulthood. They may naturally grow, darken, or increase in number at certain times of life, such as adolescence or pregnancy.
Some specific moles or dark blemishes that either resemble melanomas, are risk factors for melanoma, or both include the following:
- Freckles. Freckles typically appear in children on sun-exposed areas and are usually evenly brown or tan. The more freckles a person develops as a child, the greater the risk for melanoma in adulthood.
- Liver Spots. Liver spots are usually evenly brown or tan sun-induced lesions that are universal signs of aging. Occurring most noticeably on the hands and face, these harmless blemishes tend to enlarge and darken over time.
- Dysplastic (or Atypical) Nevi. About 30% of the population has moles called dysplastic nevi, or atypical moles. They are larger than ordinary moles (most are 5 mm across, about the size of a pencil eraser, or larger), have irregular borders, and are various shades or colors. Individuals who have dysplastic nevi plus a family history of melanoma (a syndrome known as FAMM) are at a high risk for developing melanoma at an early age (younger than 40) and often develop subsequent melanomas at additional locations. The risk for those with atypical moles and no family history of melanoma is less clear.
- Blue Nevus. The blue nevus is a benign mole that may easily be mistaken for melanoma. It is a blue-black, smooth, raised nodule and commonly occurs on the buttocks, hands, or feet.
- Spindle Cell (Spitz) Nevus. Children may develop a benign lesion called a spindle cell (or Spitz) nevus. The mole is firm, raised, and pink or reddish-brown. It may be smooth or scaly and usually appears on the face, particularly the cheeks. It is not harmful, but it may be difficult to differentiate from a melanoma, even for experts.
- Congenital Nevi (Birthmarks). Whenever possible, very large birthmarks should be removed during infancy. Those known as giant congenital nevi are more than 8 inches across and are major risk factors for melanoma. In such cases, cancer usually appears by age 10. Medium-sized congenital nevi do not appear to increase the risk for melanoma. Experts disagree, however, about whether small birthmarks need to be removed. Parents are advised to watch any birthmark for changes.
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