The chances of developing melanoma may increase with age, but the disease may affect people of all ages. Melanocytes are primarily found in the skin, but melanocytes may be found on other areas of the body, so it may be possible for melanoma to be found in other areas of the body such as the eye or anywhere melanocytes are found.

People with many moles (especially dysplastic nevi moles) may be at a greater risk of developing skin cancer. People with fair skin, a personal or family history of melanoma, a weak immune system, a history of severe blistering or sunburn at some point in their life and people with exposure to UV radiation may be at a greater risk for developing melanoma.

A doctor or healthcare professional with a specialty or interest in skin malignancy may be qualified to diagnose melanoma. Moles that have changed in shape or size, or appear discolored may be signs of melanoma, and should be examined by a doctor.

Having an awareness of moles and checking for any changes may help to detect the disease at an early stage and may allow treatment to have a greater effect. A doctor may examine the mole to determine if it may be malignant. A biopsy may then be taken to determine if the mole is, in fact, malignant.

Treatment for melanoma may depend on what stage of the disease the person may be in. If the melanoma is in an early stage, surgery may be required to remove the tumor and the surrounding skin. Removal of the lymph nodes may be required in some cases. Latter stages of melanoma and those with recurrent melanoma may undergo other treatments in addition to surgery. These may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy and other treatments. Diet and lifestyle changes may support a cancer-free future.

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