Can children get Scalp Melanoma?

Moles on a child's skin are generally nothing to worry about. New moles appear during childhood and adolescence. As the child grows, the moles will naturally get bigger. It's also normal for moles on a child's skin to darken or lighten. Some moles fade away. read more

As with adults, children are most at risk for melanoma if they have: Fair skin; A history of many blistering sunburns; Several large or many small moles; A family history of unusual moles; A family history of melanoma; Children at high risk should be seen by a pediatric dermatologist annually. read more

While melanoma in children is still extremely rare, the rate increased by about 2 percent per year from 1973 to 2009 among U.S children from newborns to age 19. Melanoma accounts for up to 3 percent of all pediatric cancers, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. read more

Some children who have lots of moles get melanoma early in life. An Australian study found that more than half of the 15 to 19-year-old patients with melanoma had at least 100 moles. Bottom line: A child with 50-plus moles should be under a dermatologist's care. read more