|
|
 |
|
|
|
Types of Cancer > Melanoma > Risks and Prevention
|
|
| What Causes Melanoma Cancer? |
|
|
|
|
Studies have shown that melanoma cancer is caused by damaged DNA and mutated genes. DNA is the part of our cells that determines what we will look like, what hereditary traits we will have, and our DNA also tells our cells how to grow and divide and how to manage the daily activities that are necessary to sustain life. When our DNA becomes damaged, cells have an increased risk of mutating and become cancerous.
Scientists have discovered that most cases of melanoma involve DNA damage. This DNA damage most often occurs due to exposure to UV radiation and UV-B radiation. It has been estimated that up to 90 percent of all melanoma cases can be linked directly to UV radiation exposure.
UV radiation usually occurs when our bodies are exposed to direct sunlight, although there are other sources of UV radiation, such as tanning booths. UV-B radiation occurs when UV wavelengths are between 290-330 nm. This is the wavelength that causes sunburn to occur. These two radiation types can cause damage to a cell's DNA, causing it to lose control of how the cell divides, multiplies and dies, which can then lead to cancer.
Excessive exposure to UV and UV-B radiation will not result in an immediate development of cancer. In fact, melanoma cancer may not develop until years after exposure. For example, children who spent a lot of time unprotected in the sun may develop melanoma cancer in their adult years, even though they took caution to avoid direct sunlight during their adult years.
Research is ongoing to help doctors and scientists understand the correlation between melanoma cancer and DNA mutations. It has been discovered that more than 70 percent of all reported melanoma cases involve a gene called BRAF. Some researchers speculate that interrupting the activity of this gene may help treat advanced melanoma cases. As research continues, scientists hope to gain a further understanding of exactly how DNA changes turn into cases of melanoma cancer.
|
|
|
|
| Author: | Robert Dale, Certified Medical Writer |
|
| Reviewer: | Jiade Jay Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology) |
|
| Publish Date: November 6, 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
