Genetic Causes of Melanoma

article_content">those with two wild-type copies of the gene.
Early signs of melanoma are changes to theMC1R mutations are very common; in fact, all
shape or color of existing moles. The mole maypeople with red hair have a mutated copy of the
itch, ulcerate or bleed. Metastatic melanoma maygene.
cause general symptoms like loss of appetite,Two-gene models of melanoma risk have already
nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Metastasis as thebeen created, and in the future, researchers hope
first symptom of melanoma is possible; however,to create genome-scale models that will allow
fortunately less than a fifth of melanomasthem to predict a patient’s risk of
diagnosed early become metastatic.developing melanoma based on his or her
Familial melanoma is genetically heterogeneous,genotype. In addition to identifying high-risk
and loci for familial melanoma have been identifiedpatients, researchers also want to identify
on the chromosome arms 1p, 9p and 12q. Multiplehigh-risk lesions within a given patient.
genetic events have been related to theMany new technologies, such as optical coherence
pathogenesis of melanoma. The multiple tumortomography (OCT), are being developed to
suppressor 1 (CDKN2A/MTS1) gene encodesaccomplish this. OCT allows pathologists to view
p16INK4a -- a low-molecular weight protein3-D reconstructions of the skin and offers more
inhibitor of cyclin-dependent protein kinasesresolution than past techniques could provide. In
(CDKs) -- which has been localised to the p21vivo confocal microscopy and fluorescently
region of human chromosome 9.tagged antibodies are also proving to be valuable
Today, melanomas are diagnosed only after theydiagnostic tools. Mutation of the MDM2 SNP309
become visible on the skin. In the future,gene is associated with increased risk of
however, physicians will hopefully be able detectmelanoma in younger women.
melanomas based on a patient’s genotype,Most of the treatments require multiple visits to
not just his or her phenotype. Recent geneticthe doctor. Laser and electrocautery treatments
advances promise to help doctors to identifyare not always effective because they only reach
people with high-risk genotypes and to determinethe outermost layers of the skin, while moles
which of a person’s lesions have thepenetrate very deep into the dermal tissue, often
greatest chance of becoming cancerous.beyond the reach of these treatments. Surgery,
A number of rare mutations, which often run inthe other option doctors commonly offer,
families, are known to greatly increaseinvolves cutting out the mole. The resulting wound
one’s susceptibility to melanoma. One classrequires stitches, which will in turn leave a scar.
of mutations affects the gene CDKN2A. AnNeviCurative is a powerful all natural topical
alternative reading frame mutation in this genetreatment proven to eliminate and defeat moles
leads to the destabilization of p53, a transcriptionor nevi. Recent clinical trials have established the
factor involved in apoptosis and in fifty percent ofability of the active constituents in NeviCurative to
human cancers.effectively eradicate skin moles and impair the
Another mutation in the same gene results in agrowth of human melanoma cells. NeviCurative
non-functional inhibitor of CDK4, ahas therefore been shown to eliminate even the
cyclin-dependent kinase that promotes cell division.most stubborn moles, regardless of their location
Mutations that cause the skin conditionon the body, even when other treatments have
Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) also seriouslyfailed.
predispose one to melanoma. ScatteredNeviCurative is well-known for its antioxidant
throughout the genome, these mutations reduceproperties. It is comprised of certified organic
a cell’s ability to repair DNA. Both CDKN2Amedicinal plant extracts, which have demonstrated
and XP mutations are highly penetrant.their ability to eradicate melanomas and skin
Other mutations confer lower risk but are moretumors in laboratory tests. These extracts have a
prevalent in the population. People with mutationsremarkable array of pharmacological and
in the MC1R gene, for example, are two to fourbiochemical properties, which are highly effective
times more likely to develop melanoma thanin eradicating moles.