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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