Melanoma skin cancer in children, what are the symptoms?

Not only adults, children can also develop melanoma skin cancer. Although it is a rare type of cancer, melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer in children. Read further to find out what are the characteristics of skin cancer in children. Early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment and life expectancy of children.

Overview of melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that develops due to interference with melanocyte cells so that they become malignant. Melanocyte cells are cells that produce melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. The hallmark of melanoma skin cancer looks like moles that have appeared suddenly, although some also develop from existing moles.

Moles characterized by cancer can spread to the surrounding area and then progressively enter the skin, into blood vessels and lymph nodes, and finally attack the liver (liver), lungs, and bones.

Characteristics of melanoma skin cancer in children

Not all moles are a feature of melanoma skin cancer. A mole is a sign of cancer if it grows suddenly in a place that was not previously infested with a fly, and changes in shape, size and color.

Characteristics of skin cancer in children include:

• Change in the shape, color, or size of a mole
• Moles appear as sores that don't heal and are painful
• Mole that is itchy or bleeding
• Lumps that look shiny or crusty
• Dark spots under fingernails or toenails are not caused by injury to the nail

Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer in children

Children who are white and have natural, light-colored hair have a high risk of melanoma. That's because skin cancer cases in children are more common in children of white descent (Caucasian race).

In addition, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and a family history of skin cancer make children more susceptible to developing melanoma.

In general, the risk factors for skin cancer in children over 10 years of age are the same as those for adults, although for younger children the risk factors are less clear.

Child skin cancer survivors still have the same risk of cancer recurrence in the future.

What are the treatments for melanoma skin cancer in children?

Treatment options for pediatric melanoma depend on the stage and place of spread of the cancer. Low-grade melanoma skin cancer (0-1) is usually treated with surgical removal of the mole and the healthy skin tissue on the edge. Low-grade skin cancer can also be treated with imiquimod cream (Zyclara), an ointment that helps remove cancerous and non-cancerous skin growths.

The higher the stage diagnosis of skin cancer at, the more diverse and complex treatment options are. This includes lymph node biopsy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, to immunotherapy. Treatment therapy will be planned by the doctor according to the child's condition and the development of melanoma skin cancer symptoms.

Can melanoma skin cancer be prevented?

Melanoma in children can be prevented by reducing direct exposure to UV rays. This prevention can be done by using a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. This can reduce your child's risk of having melanoma by up to 50 percent.

Let your child play outside in the morning and late afternoon. This will reduce direct sun exposure to your child so that it can protect your child from melanoma. In addition, you should avoid your child from sunbathing to darken the skin tone (tanning).

Wearing dark clothes can also protect your child. using a hat can also be the best choice to protect your child from the hot sun.

Get regular skin examinations on your child, especially on the face, neck and feet. Children who spend a lot of time outside without wearing clothes can make them susceptible to skin cancer in their bodies.