Melanoma Causes
The ultimate reason for uncontrollable skin cells is unknown, yet many risk factors are associated with metastatic melanoma. Metastatic melanoma causes are thought to be genetic or environmental, or more likely, a combination of the two. A family history of the disease makes one more inclined to developing this skin cancer. Familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) is a hereditary syndrome. Those with FAMMM have 50 or more moles on their body and can locate one or more family members with the melanoma skin cancer. Fair skin is a major metastatic melanoma cause. Pale individuals have less melanin and are therefore not as protected from harmful ultraviolet radiation. A rare genetic disorder xeroderma pigmentosum may also be a melanoma cause because it leaves one all the more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. This disorder is characterized by an extreme sensitivity to sunlight and an inability to repair damage caused by the sun. People with xeroderma pigmentosum produce very little melanin; their deeper skin layers have little to no protection from the sun. Albinism is another disease that makes individuals more susceptible to metastatic skin cancer development their bodies do not produce any melanin.
Blistering or peeling sunburns in early childhood have been acknowledged as melanoma causes. The sun damaged skin cells no longer behave the way they are supposed to and cannot offer the protection of healthy skins cells. Solar keratosis is caused by many years of intense sun exposure and is characterized by flesh-colored rough patches on the face and hands. This disease predisposed individuals to developing skin cancer and might also be regarded as one of many malignant melanoma causes. Individuals who live in sunny climates near the equator or at high altitudes are more prone to developing melanoma skin cancer as well. Ultraviolet radiation is more intense at these geographical locations; thus, the body is more sensitive to developing a malignant melanoma tumor. Counter intuitively, melanoma cancer occurs more often in people who work indoors. The reason for this is that outdoor workers produce more melanin, building a thick barricade from ultraviolet radiation. Those who rarely go outside and have only intermittent sun exposure are more likely to undergo extensive ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin.
A weakened immune system is often times deemed a melanoma cause a higher incidence of metastatic melanoma has been found in individuals with this affliction. Scientists and doctors believe that melanoma cancer is extremely sensitive to immune system responses. There are reported cases of melanoma skin cancer healing itself without medical treatment; therefore, if the immune system is not at peak performance, melanoma has a better chance of metastasizing. The immune system can be made more delicate by the development of leukemia or lymphoma, or by undergoing an organ transplant or bone marrow transplant. The disease or sugery is not the problem; instead, the medications prescribed cause the immune system to become less defensive. Individuals taking these medications should be aware of the increased risk and take all necessary precautions.
Age is also considered to be a melanoma cause as one gets older their risk increases. Although the cancer can form at any age, half of all adults receive their first diagnosis in their 50s. Up to age 40, women have an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. During the Golden Years, mens risk significantly increases, surpassing women. At age 60, women again take the lead as highest risk candidates; but, as a whole, men are more prone to developing the cancer.
Exposure to carcinogens may also be considered a melanoma cause. Carcinogens are regarded as any substance that disrupts or damages cellular metabolism or directly damages DNA. The damage is caused by the particles emitted from radioactive substances. Asbestos, tobacco, coal tar, radium, arsenic compounds in pesticides and creosote (a wood preservative) are all examples of carcinogens that may contribute to the development of malignant melanoma. Carcinogens can also form when cooking protein-rich foods at high temperatures, such as broiling or barbequing. Precooking meat in the microwave for a few minutes can help to minimize carcinogen formation.