The Role of Melanin in Skin Cancer

Abstract

Low melanin level in white skin results in many genetic alterations that activate oncogenes to form metastatic melanomas because of interaction with ultraviolet rays. These melanomas are uncommon, but they are dangerous and spread rapidly in the individual's body. Individuals with fair, freckled skin; a weak immune system; or have a personal or family history of melanoma are at high risk to have melanoma. There are different stages of melanomas. All have some treatments, but to achieve more efficient treatment, clinical trials are being done. Some of the treatments involve immunotherapy, radiotherapy, surgeries, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.