Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Melanoma) that could possibly cause Melanoma includes:
Other conditions that might have Melanoma as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Melanoma. Our database lists the following as having Melanoma as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Melanoma as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Melanoma. Our database lists the following as having Melanoma as a symptom of that condition:
Article excerpts about the
causes of Melanoma:
UV radiation from the sun causes
premature aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to
skin cancer. (Two types of ultraviolet radiation -- UVA and
UVB -- are explained in the Dictionary.) Artificial sources
of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, also
can cause skin damage and probably an increased risk of skin
cancer. (Source: excerpt from What You Need To Know About Cancer - An Overview: NCI)
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Melanoma:
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Melanoma may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Melanoma.
Several factors seem to influence the development of melanoma:
❑Excessive exposure to sunlight — Melanoma is most common in sunny, warm areas and usually develops on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun.
❑ Skin type — Most persons who develop melanoma have blond or red hair, fair skin, and blue eyes; are prone to sunburn; and are of Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry. Melanoma is rare among Blacks; when it does develop, it usually arises in lightly pigmented areas (the palms, plantar surface of the feet, or mucous membranes).
❑ Hormonal factors — Pregnancy may increase risk and exacerbate growth.
❑ Family history — Melanoma is slightly more common within families.
❑ Past history of melanoma — A person who has had one melanoma is at greater risk of developing a second.
Melanoma is slightly more common in women than in men and is rare in children. Peak incidence occurs between ages 50 and 70, although the incidence in younger age-groups is increasing.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Several factors may influence the development of melanoma:
❑ Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma is most common in sunny, warm areas and commonly develops on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. A person who has a blistering sunburn before age 20 has twice the risk of developing melanoma.
❑ Skin type. Most persons who develop melanoma have blond or red hair, fair skin, and blue eyes; are prone to sunburn; and are of Celtic or Scandinavian descent. Melanoma is rare among blacks; when it does develop, it usually arises in lightly pigmented areas (the palms, plantar surface of the feet, or mucous membranes).
❑ Autoimmune factors. Genetic and autoimmune effects may be causes.
❑ Hormonal factors. Pregnancy may increase risk and exacerbate growth.
❑ Family history. A person with a family history of melanoma has eight times the risk of developing the disorder.
❑ History of melanoma. A person who has had one melanoma has 10 times the risk of developing a second.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
The cause of malignant lymphomas is unknown, although some theories suggest a viral source. Up to 35,000 new cases appear annually in the United States. Malignant lymphomas are two to three times more common in males than in females and occur in all age-groups.
Although rare in children, these lymphomas occur one to three times more often and cause twice as many deaths as Hodgkin’s disease in children under age 15. Incidence rises with age (median age is 50). Malignant lymphomas seem linked to certain races and ethnic groups, with increased incidence in whites and people of Jewish ancestry.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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