Semmes, AL
A 25-year-old male asked:
Can melanoma occur even in people who don't get much sun? or on parts of one's body that don't get much sunlight?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tamara Lydayanswered
16 years experience
Yes: One of the most common places for melanoma is on the sole of the foot - an area that doesn't get much sun at all. Sometimes we don't think we've gotten sun but one or two burns as a youngster is enough to cause problems.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brian Biesmananswered
34 years experience
Melanoma: Thank you for your question Christopher. Melanoma is associated with sun exposure but can occur in areas that have not had much, if any, sun exposure.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph Ebyanswered
Plastic Surgery 25 years experience
Yes unfortunately: Yes, melanoma like other cancers develops from genetic mutations in cells. Sun damage is definitely associated with increased risk for melanoma. There are some inherited components, as well as persons with large congenital Nevi (large dark moles present at birth) are at increased risk even without sun exposure. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-wh
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Travis Kidneranswered
Surgical Oncology 18 years experience
Yes: It is possible. Some feel that patients who experience just one severe sunburn are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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