Metastatic Melanoma in Lung Tissue at 10x Magnification
The primary risk factor for melanoma is excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. In recent years, there has been particular interest in the link between severe childhood sunburns and melanoma, though damage to the skin at any age is unhealthy. Individuals with light skin, hair, and eyes are especially susceptible to the effects of the sun’s rays and should take extra precautions against skin cancer, which may include regularly utilizing sunscreen, staying indoors midday when the sun is most intense, and wearing hats and protective clothing. Other notable melanoma risk factors include a family history of the disease, the presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi), and being employed in certain occupations, particularly those that require regular exposure to ultraviolet radiation.