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Gender-Based Differences in Development of Melanoma

Abstract

Understanding how malign melanoma forms will allow new prevention and treatments to be created and will save lives. It is well known and understood that UV radiation produces damaged DNA that in turn leads to the mutation of a cell from a healthy one to one with cancerous properties. However, do men and woman form melanoma tumors in different ways? There are many known physiological factors that are affected by the interaction with sex hormones. Estrogens and androgens affect the skin and the immune system, two body systems that are involved in the growth of melanomas. By creating a primary research study, as well as, reviewing all the literature regarding melanomas and the genders we will attempt to find answers and create conclusions about the growth and development of malign melanoma.

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Gender-Based Differences 4

Conclusion 12

Works Cited 14

Appendices 15

Introduction

There are many different types of skin tumors, and while it may not be the most common, malignant melanoma is the most dangerous.

Only 5% of all skin cancers are melanomas, but this particular tumor leads to the most deaths. This skin cancer develops when DNA within skin cells is damaged, and mutations occur. Damage to DNA is most often caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The DNA mutations tell the cell to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. (Melanoma In-Depth Report)

Melanomas occur in melanocytes; the pigment-producing cells that occur in the basal layer of the epidermis. Because melanocytes produce the pigment, melanomas typically are black or brown, but have also been known to be skin-coloured, pink, red, purple, blue or white. (Melanoma)

Melanoma cancers are usually found in the skin but can occur in many other places throughout the body. Melanomas...