PEDIATRIC MELANOMA RISK FACTORS

There are a number of risk factors that can increase a child’s risk for pediatric melanoma: 

• Giant congenital nevi  

• Immunocompromised or immunodeficiency (immune disorder or on medication that suppresses the immune system)  

• Xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare skin condition in which an individual has as an extreme sensitivity to sunlight  

• History of retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer that starts in your retina)

• 50+ moles  

• Fair skin complexion  (light skin tones that burn easily, difficult to tan, freckles)  

• Family history of a 1st degree relative with Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome. This is a syndrome where a person has 50 or more very oddly shaped moles.  

• Family history of melanoma

• Werner syndrome (a rare, autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by the appearance of premature aging)

• Blonde or red hair 

• Blue or other light-colored eyes