Childhood Melanoma Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of childhood melanoma include:
- A bump that itches and bleeds
- A wart-like spot, typically non-pigmented or a pinkish color
- An amelanotic lesion – meaning they aren’t black or darkly pigmented like many adult melanomas
- Odd-looking moles, especially large ones
- A mole that looks completely different from a child’s other moles
Remember the ABCDE’s when studying moles:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color (although many pediatric melanomas are non-pigmented)
- Diameter (larger than ¼ inch)
- Elevation
If your child has been diagnosed with melanoma, we’re here to help. Call 1-877-MDA-6789 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
Why Choose MD Anderson?
- Innovative melanoma treatments, including lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy, targeted therapy, limb perfusion, interleukin-2 and immune-based therapy
- Skilled multidisciplinary team with expertise in melanoma
- Most advanced diagnostic methods
- One of the world’s largest programs
- Nationally recognized research program with many clinical trials
- Melanoma is part of MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program: an ambitious effort to reduce cancer deaths through the rapid discovery and implementation of new treatments