In what age range is someone most likely to have a melanoma? during what age range does it not occur?

Melanoma: It is very rare in young children (they don't get much sun, and not enough time for genetics or heredity to have their effect), and becomes increasingly common after the late teens. Chronic sun exposure or a strong family history are the major risk factors. Pigmented moles that are asymmetric, with an irregular border, with a change to a darker color, larger than 1/2 a centimeter should be checked.

Over 25: Melanoma is infrequent in children and teenagers and the incidence increases after age 25. There has been an increase in younger individuals which may correlate with the use of uva tanning beds over the last 10-20 years. In children melanomas arise in large congenital moles. A separate age group at high risk are those over 65 especially on the face.

Adults: Melanoma can occur in any age, but is very uncommon in young children (exception: certain types of congenital nevi may predispose to melanoma. If you child has a large birthmark - especially dark - have it checked. Most are ok, but not all) different types of melanomas are seen in different age groups, I have melanoma patients that range in age from 17 to over 90!

Higher in older: Usually in adult -higher in older age. Risk factor include environmental (exposure to sun/uv radiation, occupation etc), & genetic. Melanoma is rare in children and adolescents and approximately 90 percent of these cases are in those ≥10 years of age. The incidence in those less than 20 years of age is increasing by 2.9 percent per year.