Natural History Study of Moles and Suspicious Melanoma

Study Summary

Background: * Melanocytic nevi, or "moles," are non-cancerous growths of a type of skin cell called a melanocyte. * Large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN) are a special type of mole that begins to grow before birth and is larger than moles that develop after birth. * Determining how melanocytes in moles and LCMNs differ from normal melanocytes may increase the ability to predict whether a mole will give rise to a melanoma (a type of skin cancer) Objectives: * To understand how melanomas develop, by studying moles, LCMNs, and pigmented skin lesions that are suspicious for melanoma * To develop better criteria for diagnosing melanoma, particularly by using a device called a digital dermatoscope (a special camera, connected to a computer, that takes pictures of moles when they are magnified and illuminated) Eligibility: * Children 5 years old or older with an LCMN * Adults 18 years old or older with 100 or more moles larger than 2 mm in diameter and at least one 4 mm or more * Adults 18 years old or older with a pigmented lesion suspicious for melanoma Design: * Patients' personal and family health history is obtained. * Patients are examined by investigative team doctors, and several lesions are examined with a dermatoscope. * Additional photographs of part or all of the skin surface may be taken. * Some lesions may be biopsied. * Additional tests or examinations may be recommended. * Patients are followed periodically for skin or physical examinations, photography, laboratory and imaging evaluations, and possible skin biopsies. * Children may undergo brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)