Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that develops in the cells (melanocytes) responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. While it's less common than other types of skin cancer, melanoma is dangerous because it can spread rapidly to other organs if not caught early.
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Understanding Melanoma Cancer
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, in otherwise normal skin, or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. It most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected men.
In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. Melanoma can also occur in areas that don't receive much sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, and fingernail beds.
The primary warning sign of melanoma is often a new spot on the skin or a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole.
The ABCDE method can help you remember the warning signs:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Potential Causes of Melanoma
While the exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, scientists have identified several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing this type of skin cancer:
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure: UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds can damage the DNA in skin cells, potentially causing them to grow out of control and form a tumor.
- Fair Skin: Having less melanin in your skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation. You're more likely to develop melanoma if you have blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, and freckle or sunburn easily.
- History of Sunburn: Having had one or more severe, blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of melanoma as an adult.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may develop skin cancer, especially if the skin isn't protected by sunscreen or clothing.
- Living Closer to the Equator or at a Higher Elevation: People living closer to the earth's equator, where the sun's rays are more direct, experience higher amounts of UV radiation. Higher elevations also increase exposure to UV radiation.
- Moles: People who have many moles or unusual moles called dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of melanoma.
- Family History: Approximately 10% of people with melanoma have a family history of the disease.
- Personal History: If you've had melanoma once, you're at increased risk of developing it again.
- Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems have an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
- Age: Melanoma is more likely to occur in older people, but it is also found in younger people.
Environmental Factors and Chemical Exposure
While UV radiation is the primary environmental risk factor for melanoma, other environmental and chemical exposures can increase the risk:
- Arsenic: Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been associated with an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): These industrial chemicals, now banned but still present in the environment, may increase melanoma risks.
- Air Pollution: Some research suggests that exposure to air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide, may increase melanoma risk.
- Pesticides: Certain pesticides may increase the risk of melanoma, particularly among agricultural workers.
The Link Between NDMA in Valsartan and Melanoma Cancer Risk
In recent years, a concerning link has emerged between a common blood pressure medication, Valsartan, and potential cancer risk. This connection is due to N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) contamination in some batches of the medication.
NDMA is a known environmental contaminant found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. It's also an unintended byproduct of various manufacturing processes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified NDMA as a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies.
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of several blood pressure medications, including some Valsartan products, due to the presence of NDMA. While the primary concern has been about NDMA potentially causing liver damage and liver cancer, some studies suggest it may increase the risk of other cancers as well.
Given the potential for NDMA to cause DNA damage, which is a key factor in the development of all types of cancer, including melanoma, this connection is being closely studied by researchers and closely watched by the legal community.
People who developed Melanoma cancer after taking contaminated Valsartan are now filing Valsartan lawsuits, claiming that pharmaceutical companies failed to ensure the safety of their products and adequately warn consumers of potential risks.
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Protecting Yourself and Seeking Legal Help
At Lawsuit Legal News, we're committed to informing you about the latest health and legal news developments. If you or a loved one has been affected by melanoma and believe it may be linked to medication use or environmental factors, you may have legal options.
Our law firm has extensive experience in cases involving dangerous drugs and environmental toxins. We can provide a free consultation to discuss your situation and help you understand your rights.
Contact us today at 866-535-9515 or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can help you seek justice and compensation. Your health and rights matter, so let us help you protect them.