Experts disagree, however, about whether small birthmarks need to be removed. Parents are advised to watch any birthmark for changes. Freckles and Liver Spots. Freckles and liver spots typically appear on sun-exposed areas and are usually evenly brown or tan. The more freckles a person develops as a child, the greater the risk for melanoma.
Liver spots are sun-induced lesions that are almost universal signs of aging.
Occurring most noticeably on the hands and face, these harmless blemishes tend to enlarge and darken over time. Geographic Location Australia has the highest melanoma rate in the world, and in the U.S. the incidence is highest in California. The disease is by no means limited to such sunny states and countries, however. Norway, for example, whose people are generally blonde and fair-skinned, has had the highest rate of melanoma in Europe. Family History People with family members who had melanoma should be considered at high risk and examined on a regular basis.