CancerPatient Information Sheet *Causes and risk factors Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but is sometimes found in children.

Risk factors for melanoma include: Fair complexion Exposure to natural or artificial sunlight for long periods of time. History of many blistering sunburns as a child. Several large or many small moles. Family history of unusual moles. History of melanoma. Being white and male. *Preventions, detection, and diagnosis Melanoma is diagnosed based upon the appearance of a skin lesion. Abnormal findings can be described by the acronym ABCDE: A Asymmetry B Border irregularities C Color variegation D Diameter greater than 6 mm E Evolution Other abnormal features include inflammation and bleeding or crusting. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your physician immediately. Your physician will take a biopsy, or a sample of the lesion, to determine if cancerous or precancerous cells are present. *How the cancer affects the body Melanoma affects the body in different ways depending on the stage. If it is coetaneous melanoma, it will affect the skin locally. More advanced disease can

spread to the lymph nodes or other organs of the body via the blood stream such as the lungs or liver.

Different treatments are available for patients with melanoma. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biologic therapy, using the persons own immune system to fight the cancer. Which treatments are prescribed by your doctor depends on the stage of your melanoma. Side effects can include bleeding, loss of appetite, hair loss, and weight loss.