Who Has The Greatest Risk of Melanoma?

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Melanoma has been notoriously difficult to treat. That’s because it is diagnosed late and drugs are ineffective. The death rate from the disease has changed little in two decades.

Sunlight is a major risk factor for two of the types of melanomas. For the other types, it is less important. Researchers estimate accumulated sun exposure by measuring the degree to which skin has undergone solar elastosis — a breakdown of elastic fibers associated with aging skin and wrinkles.

According to Bastian, the genetic abnormalities found in melanomas that tend to arise on sites with less sun exposure — such as the trunk, arms or legs — differ from melanomas that arise on chronically exposed skin, such as the face.

Two other, rare forms of melanoma that arise on sites rarely or never exposed to sun also can be distinguished from each other with similar success using genetic criteria, Bastian and colleagues found.

Malignant melanoma, however, often spreads to other parts of the body and is very difficult to treat. It is a dangerous and deadly form of cancer.

What are your rick factors, other than dangerous UV rays from the sun? Your family history might be the most dangerous risk factor.

To determine your risk, ask two questions:

1. Has anyone in my family ever developed malignant melanoma?

     2.  Has anyone in my family ever had a birthmark (nevus) that became cancerous?

If you answered “no” to both questions, you have no greater risk than the general population of getting melanoma. Have your doctor look at your skin when you go in for regular check-ups.

If you answered “yes” to one question, your risk just went up 10 to 100 times. Have your doctor or dermatologist check your skin every six months to a year.

If you answered “yes” to both questions, your risk just went through the roof, and you should see a dermatologist every three months for a general check-up. Your getting malignant melanoma is so high that you cannot afford not to go to the dermatologist every three months.

The trick to treating all cancers, including malignant melanoma, is to catch it early. Give yourself a fighting chance if your risk is high, and see your dermatologist regularly.