Risk factors of malignant melanoma

  • genetic factors
  • large number of common and clinically atypical melanocytic naevi
  • large congenital melanocytic naevi
  • history of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer
  • family history of melanoma
  • family history of large numbers of melanocytic naevi
  • severe, painful sunburns particularly in childhood
  • intermittent burning sun exposures
  • inability to tan/skin phototype I.-II.
  • red or blonde hair
  • light eye colour
  • tendency to freckle
  • immunosuppression
  • use of sunbeds and sunlamps
  • prior PUVA therapy
  • increasing age
  • elevated socioeconomic status
  • xeroderma pigmentosum