Although researchers have found some things that can raise a person’s risk of melanoma, it’s not yet clear exactly how these factors cause melanoma.
For example, while most moles never turn into a melanoma, some do. Researchers have found some gene changes inside mole cells that may cause them to become melanoma cells.
But it is still not known exactly why some moles become cancerous or why having many moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles increases your risk of developing melanoma.
Researchers have learned a great deal in recent years about how certain changes in DNA can make normal cells become cancerous. DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes – the instructions for how our cells function. We usually look like our parents because they are the source of our DNA. But DNA affects more than just how we look.
Some genes control when our cells grow, divide into new cells and die. Certain genes that help cells grow, divide, and stay alive are called oncogenes. Genes that keep cell growth in check or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes.
Cancers can be caused by DNA changes that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes. Changes in several different genes are usually needed for a cell to become cancerous.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are clearly a major cause of many melanomas. UV exposure can damage the DNA in skin cells. Sometimes this damage affects certain genes that control how skin cells grow and divide. If these genes no longer work properly, the affected cells may become cancerous.
Most UV exposure comes from sunlight, but some can come from man-made sources such as tanning beds. Usually, it’s not clear exactly when UV exposure causes DNA damage that might eventually lead to cancer.
Some of the damage may take place in the few years before the start of the cancer. But much of it may be from exposures that happened many years earlier. Children and young adults often get a lot of intense sun exposure that might not result in cancer until many years or even decades later.
Some melanomas occur in parts of the body that rarely, if ever, experience UV exposure. These melanomas often have different gene changes than those in melanomas that develop in sun-exposed areas.
When melanomas run in families, gene mutations that greatly increase the risk of melanoma are often passed from one generation to the next. Familial (inherited) melanomas most often have changes in tumor suppressor genes that prevent them from doing their normal job of controlling cell growth. Scientists reason that this could eventually lead to cancer.
Looking to Visit a Dermatologist?
We have multiple locations throughout the country, so fill out our simple online form to get in touch with us. One of our local team members will reach out to you shortly to answer your questions or schedule an appointment for you to visit us soon.
Find a location near me
or
