A skin cancer tumor usually shows up on the surface of the skin, so it's easy to find. That means it can be treated early, when it is more likely to be cured. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and if it's not treated early, it often spreads throughout the body. Once that happens, melanoma is much more difficult to treat.
Melanoma is rare in children, but not as rare as it once was. From 1973 to 2001, the incidence of melanoma in children has increased approximately 2.9 percent per year. Because it's important to catch melanoma early, you should check your skin and your child's skin regularly. Skin cancer often begins in moles. Moles are very common in children, and most are harmless. Some children are born with moles. Also, it's perfectly normal for new moles to appear during childhood and grow as your child grows.
However, take your child to a dermatologist for an exam if you notice a mole that is:
