Malignant Melanoma at 10x Magnification

Though it is often difficult to determine precisely why one individual develops melanoma and another does not, certain key factors that may lead to the disease have been identified. The most well known of these factors is excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Recent studies have particularly linked severe sunburns in childhood with an increased melanoma risk and, consequently, the medical community has begun emphasizing the need for parents to make sure that the skin of their children is protected through the use of sunscreens and protective clothing if they are going to be outside. In fact, it is generally recommended that all adults take the same precautions since the disease may develop from the cumulative skin damage over the entire course of one’s lifetime as well.