Melanoma risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.

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Overview

The two most potent risk factors in the development of melanoma are light-colored skin and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Other risk factors include old age, male gender, family history of melanoma, personal history of skin cancers, immunodeficiency, and certain hereditary disorders.

Risk Factors

• The two most potent risk factors in the development of melanoma are light-colored skin and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
• Other Risk factors for the development of melanoma include:

• Old age
• Male gender
• Family history of melanoma
• Multiple benign or atypical nevi
• Personal history of melanoma
• Administration of immunosuppressive therapy
• Sun sensitivity
• Therapeutic agents

• Psoralen
• Ultraviolet A light therapy
• Neonatal blue light phototherapy

• Environmental chemical exposure

• Polyvinyl chloride
• Heavy metals
• Pesticides

• Hereditary diseases

• Giant congenital pigmented nevus syndrome
• Melanocortin 1 receptor mutation
• Dysplastic nevus syndrome
• Retinoblastoma
• Xeroderma pigmentosum