Melanoma & Mole Screening

Melanoma is a skin cancer that can spread throughout the body. Early detection of melanoma can prevent the cancer from spreading. The rate of melanoma in children and teens is growing, in part due to sun exposure and tanning in childhood.

Skin cancer is a very preventable disease. You can protect your child from the sun by using sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. Moles (nevi) are clusters of skin cells called melanocytes. These cells carry the pigment that gives our skin its color. Pay attention to any moles on your child’s body and watch for changes in their size, shape and color.

When melanocytes are damaged by ultraviolet light from the sun, they can start to function abnormally. The cells quickly multiply, form tumors and damage surrounding tissue.

A pediatric dermatologist should check moles that change in size, shape or color.

Symptoms of melanoma include moles that look different than they used to. You can follow the ABCDE rule when checking moles:

Asymmetry. Does each side of the mole look different?
Border. Are the edges of the mole blurry and undefined?
Color. Is the mole lighter or darker? Does it have a new color, such as black, blue, purple, red or white?
Diameter. Is the mole larger than the eraser on a pencil?
Elevation. Does the mole have a bumpy or raised surface?

A pediatric dermatologist should check moles that show any of the changes above or moles that itch or bleed right away. Sometimes normal moles in childhood change as children grow. A pediatric dermatologist can help determine if the changes you see are normal or if they are worrisome.

Melanomas most commonly appear:

On the head, neck and torso in boys
On the lower legs in girls

Diagnosis of Melanoma

If your child shows signs of melanoma or changing moles or congenital nevi (moles present at birth), a pediatric dermatologist will perform the following exams and tests to make a diagnosis:

Physical exam. The doctor will examine and check the moles on your child’s body.
Biopsy. If any moles are abnormal in appearance, a tissue sample is taken for further examination. The cells from the moles are studied under a microscope to check for cancer.
Additional screening tests. Large congenital nevi present a higher risk for cancer and may require extra study to make sure abnormal mole cells do not exist elsewhere in the body.

Treatments

Treatments for suspected melanoma include:

Surgical excision. Atypical moles, and those suspected of being melanomas, are surgically removed. Once removed, the tissue is sent to a lab for study.
Skin cancer prevention. The doctor will talk with you and your child about skin cancer prevention, including the importance of using sunscreen, avoiding the sun when necessary and following other sun protection measures such as wearing hats and protective clothing.

Key Points to Remember

Melanoma is skin cancer.
Moles are skin cells called melanocytes that group together.
Excessive sun exposure can make melanocytes grow abnormally.
A doctor should check moles that change in size, color and shape.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about melanoma and mole screening.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Melanoma Research Foundation

The Melanoma Research Foundation is committed to finding better treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma. Learn more about pediatric melanoma on the foundation's website.

American Academy of Dermatology

This resource from the American Academy of Dermatology shares information about moles, including what parents should know about moles in children.