Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center

Select a topic to explore more.
Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Cause

The most common causes of melanoma are1:

  • Exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
    • Blistering sunburns at any time of life
    • Intense sun exposure, every now and then
  • Skin characteristics.
    • Fair skin that doesn't tan and tends to sunburn or freckle
    • Numerous moles and/or more than one atypical mole
    • A large mole you had since birth
  • Eye or hair color.
    • Blue or green eyes
    • Red or blond hair
  • A personal or family history of melanoma.
  • Certain gene changes.
  • Xeroderma pigmentosum, a skin disease.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 05, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Next Article:
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Is That Mole Skin Cancer?   Is That Mole Skin Cancer?

Dermatologists have a simple "A, B, C, D" method to help you determine if a mole on your skin should be examined by a doctor.

Watch Video: Is That Mole Skin Cancer? (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Melanoma Diagnostic Test   Melanoma Diagnostic Test

Show or hide information about video: Isolated Limb Infusion for Melanoma   Isolated Limb Infusion for Melanoma

Show or hide information about video: Diagnosing Skin Cancer Without Cutting   Diagnosing Skin Cancer Without Cutting

Show or hide information about video: Incidence of Melanoma Rising in White Women   Incidence of Melanoma Rising in White Women

video library >