RIsk Factors For Melanoma

Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Xeroderma pigmentosum is characterized by severe sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. The skin cells of xeroderma pigmentosum patients are extremely susceptible to DNA damage from ultraviolet rays that tends to build up due to their DNA repair processes not functioning correctly. Xeroderma pigmentosum is caused by an inherited mutation that presents in an autosomal recessive pattern that can happen to both men and women of any ethnic background. Xeroderma pigmentosum causes a sunburn to ensue quickly and become severe within just minutes of ultraviolet exposure. The severe sunburns often will last for several weeks before they will begin to heal. Those younger than twenty years old have a staggering one thousand times of a chance of developing skin cancers including melanoma than an individual who does not have xeroderma pigmentosum. This skin disease is rare, however, the occurrences of melanoma-related to this risk factor are not rare. The risk of developing melanoma because of xeroderma pigmentosum never goes away or goes into remission, as the disease has no cure. Treatment for xeroderma pigmentosum always involves preventative measures to ensure melanomas are promptly removed upon discovery.

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