When a melanocyte becomes malignant, it begins to proliferate uncontrollably. Melanoma can arise in an existing mole, or it can arise de novo, that is, by itself in otherwise unblemished skin. Like other forms of skin cancer, excessive sun exposure is a major cause of melanoma. Fair-skinned people, especially those with red or blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles, sunburn easily.
Damage is inflicted on the cells with every sunburn.
Eventually, the cell's genetic material may mutate, and the melanocyte may become a malignant cell. There are several notable risk factors for melanoma. They are listed here and then described. Various studies have been conducted to determine if the number and thickness of nevi and their location on the body increases a person's chances for developing melanoma. Most people have about 10 to 40 common moles on their body.