Spot-Ing the Difference

Use our new friend, Spot, to help children check their skin for new or unusual spot or lesions. This tool will help young people become aware of their skin and aware of melanoma.

SPOT-ING the the DIFFERENCE MAY SAVE YOUR CHIILD’’S LIIFE!!

Spitzoid melanocytic tumor

General melanoma

Congenital melanocytic nevus

 Each year, 500 children and their families receive a diagnosis of pediatric melanoma

For references and more information, please visit melanoma.org.

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 Most cases occur between ages 15–19 but children of any age can be diagnosed

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 Melanoma in children younger than 15 may be caused by a congenital melanocytic nevus that is large or giant in size or a spitzoid melanocytic tumor   Teens 15 and older are typically diagnosed with general melanoma , which looks and acts very similar to melanoma that occurs in adults

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Melanoma in children may look different than it does in adults. That’s why additional criteria to evaluate your child’s skin is needed:

Even though ultraviolet (UV) exposure does not cause most pediatric melanomas, practicing safe sun habits is a must for all children:

PEDIATRIC CRITERIA

GENERAL CRITERIA

A

Amelanotic Pediatric melanomas tend to be colorless or lack pigment

Asymmetric They may also be asymmetrical, where one half does not look like the other half

   Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ to children over the age of 6 months and reapply every 2 hours (or more often if swimming or sweating)    Wear long sleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses when out in the sun    Limit sun exposure between 10 am–4 pm and stay in shaded areas if outside

E B C D

Bleeding or Bump Pediatric melanomas may bleed easily and appear like a bump or raised Color Uniformity Pediatric melanomas may have the same color throughout, including pink, red or black De Novo Pediatric melanomas are usually new growths

Border They may also have irregular borders

Keep an eye out for a spot that is new or changes

Color Variation They may also have color variations

Don’t forget to conduct monthly skin checks to monitor birthmarks, freckles, and moles, too!

Diameter They may be any size in diameter, including smaller than 6mm Evolution A change in a previously stable mole

Evolution Pediatric melanomas may develop or pop up quickly, changing rapidly

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www.melanoma.org

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