Melanoma risk factors
The various types of melanoma have different risk factors.
Certain factors can increase the risk for melanoma skin cancer, such as:
- Exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds
- History of severe sunburns
- Light skin, hair and eyes
- Many moles
- Personal or family history of melanoma or other type of skin cancer
- Weakened immune system
Some risk factors for ocular melanoma are similar to those for melanoma skin cancer. These factors include:
- Light eye color
- Male gender
- Older age
- Inherited skin conditions that cause abnormal moles
- Mole on the surface of the eye
Mucosal melanoma has few identified risk factors. It isn’t related to UV light exposure. Some possible risk factors include:
- Chronic inflammation
- Cigarettes and other tobacco use
- Infections due to viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Mutations in certain genes
- Poorly fitting dentures