Rare and deadly melanomas not caused by the sun: new finding

Source: The University of Sydney, May 2017

Two forms of cancer are not caused by the sun

New research has found that two forms of rare melanoma are not caused by exposure to the sun.

Two rare and deadly forms of melanoma are not caused by sun exposure new genetic research led by Australian researchers reveals today.

Published in Nature, the study shows that acral melanomas found on the palms, soles of the feet and under the nails, and mucosal melanomas found on the body’s internal surfaces, are not linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

This is in contrast to melanoma of the skin, which is strongly related to UV radiation. This finding has implications for preventing and treating these forms of melanoma, which occur worldwide.