20 year old with melanoma

I am sorry to hear that you are having this issue, and particularly given that you are so young. Unfortunately you are in good company. Melanoma is the #1 cancer diagnoses for women in their 20's and is #2 for everyone aged 15-30.

The biggest factor in cutaneous melanoma (melanoma of the skin) is UV exposure. I know you are not a sun worshiper, but a single blistering sunburn as a child can double your risk of melanoma. Of course some people tan extensively and often but never develop melanoma, so the relationship is complicated. 

Your skin tone is another factor. People with pale skin and red hair are much more likely to have melanoma that someone with a dark complexion. Another factor is having a lot of moles. If you have 50 ore more moles you are considered to be at higher risk.

And family history matters, too. I know you said you don't have melanoma in your family. Genetic linkages to melanoma are rare, yet the leading risk factor is having a first degree relative with melanoma. This probably is mostly because tend to share skin tone and sun exposure.

A very small percent of people have a genetic driver–in the CDKN2A gene, which has also been tied to pancreatic cancer. Usually you will find this mutation in families with 3 or more people having had melanoma.

I know you want to know why this is happening, but ultimately it doesn't matter. You need to see your dermatologist regularly so any new lesions and be cut off and evaluatied. I know this is worrisome, inconvient, and unfair. Unfortunately that is the lot you have been handded. 

Tim—MRF

I am sorry to hear that you are having this issue, and particularly given that you are so young. Unfortunately you are in good company. Melanoma is the #1 cancer diagnoses for women in their 20's and is #2 for everyone aged 15-30.

The biggest factor in cutaneous melanoma (melanoma of the skin) is UV exposure. I know you are not a sun worshiper, but a single blistering sunburn as a child can double your risk of melanoma. Of course some people tan extensively and often but never develop melanoma, so the relationship is complicated. 

Your skin tone is another factor. People with pale skin and red hair are much more likely to have melanoma that someone with a dark complexion. Another factor is having a lot of moles. If you have 50 ore more moles you are considered to be at higher risk.

And family history matters, too. I know you said you don't have melanoma in your family. Genetic linkages to melanoma are rare, yet the leading risk factor is having a first degree relative with melanoma. This probably is mostly because tend to share skin tone and sun exposure.

A very small percent of people have a genetic driver–in the CDKN2A gene, which has also been tied to pancreatic cancer. Usually you will find this mutation in families with 3 or more people having had melanoma.

I know you want to know why this is happening, but ultimately it doesn't matter. You need to see your dermatologist regularly so any new lesions and be cut off and evaluatied. I know this is worrisome, inconvient, and unfair. Unfortunately that is the lot you have been handded. 

Tim—MRF

I am sorry to hear that you are having this issue, and particularly given that you are so young. Unfortunately you are in good company. Melanoma is the #1 cancer diagnoses for women in their 20's and is #2 for everyone aged 15-30.

The biggest factor in cutaneous melanoma (melanoma of the skin) is UV exposure. I know you are not a sun worshiper, but a single blistering sunburn as a child can double your risk of melanoma. Of course some people tan extensively and often but never develop melanoma, so the relationship is complicated. 

Your skin tone is another factor. People with pale skin and red hair are much more likely to have melanoma that someone with a dark complexion. Another factor is having a lot of moles. If you have 50 ore more moles you are considered to be at higher risk.

And family history matters, too. I know you said you don't have melanoma in your family. Genetic linkages to melanoma are rare, yet the leading risk factor is having a first degree relative with melanoma. This probably is mostly because tend to share skin tone and sun exposure.

A very small percent of people have a genetic driver–in the CDKN2A gene, which has also been tied to pancreatic cancer. Usually you will find this mutation in families with 3 or more people having had melanoma.

I know you want to know why this is happening, but ultimately it doesn't matter. You need to see your dermatologist regularly so any new lesions and be cut off and evaluatied. I know this is worrisome, inconvient, and unfair. Unfortunately that is the lot you have been handded. 

Tim—MRF