PEDIATRIC MELANOMA

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from skin cells called melanocytes, which are located on the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Childhood, or pediatric melanoma is when melanoma occurs under the age of 18 years of age. It is uncommon and has some unique differences from melanoma in adults.  

What is a mole? 

A mole (nevus) is a common skin tumour that is not cancer (benign). A mole develops from melanocytes and nearly everyone has some moles. Almost all moles (nevi) are harmless, but some can increase the chance of melanoma, especially if numerous and large or atypical. 

One kind of mole, called Spitz nevus, may look like melanoma and is common in children and adolescents. These moles are usually benign and don’t spread. Doctors may have trouble telling Spitz nevi from melanomas, even under a microscope. They often remove Spitz nevi, just to be safe.  

 What are melanocytes? 

Melanocytes are special cells in our skin that make a pigment called melanin. This pigment gives our skin its color and helps protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. These cells are found in the top layer of our skin, called the epidermis. They’re scattered throughout, but they’re particularly concentrated in areas like moles and freckles. Sometimes, melanocytes can start growing in an abnormal way. This can happen because of things like too much exposure to the sun or certain genetic factors. When these cells grow out of control and form a cancerous growth, it’s called melanoma. 

How common is pediatric melanoma? 

Cutaneous (skin) melanoma is rare in children and even more rare in children who have not yet reached puberty, making up about 3% of pediatric cancers.  

It is important to note that there are many similar skin presentations to childhood melanoma that are more commonly seen in the pediatric population. Lesions such as spitz neavus and pyogenic granulomas are both elevated, red nodular skin lesions that can look similar to melanoma. However, these are benign and of no concern to your child’s health.  

It is important to book an appointment with a healthcare provider if you are concerned about a mole on your child’s skin. While pediatric melanoma is rare, detecting it in its early stages can reduce the risk of the cancer spreading to other areas of the body.