Epidemiological and etiological research on the pathogenesis of melanoma remins a controversial issue. The main reason for this appears to rest on the relation between the genetically determined susceptibility of the host and ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Basic to understanding this, however, is the knowledge of the clinical and histopathological, the genotypical and phenotypical heterogeneity of this tumor entity. In terms of the multistage concept of carcinogenesis, melanocytes, atypical or normal, are exposed to a mutagenic event, predominantly UVR, initiating malignant growth in a genetically altered and susceptible genome. The initiation could also occur spontaneously or as the result of other insults such as chemical carcinogens, viral infections, ionizing radiation, etc. Promotion through the stage of melanocytic dysplasia or de novo from unaltered skin follows additional exposure to UVR or cocarcinogens and is likely to be modulated by ethnic, dietary, endocrine, but also protective factors and concomitant disease. In terms of descriptive epidemiology, melanoma may be caused by exposure to intermittent and intense sunlight on unacclimatized skin. The mechanism of this association, such as the wavelength responsible, effects of total dose, intensity of dose rate, latency period between exposure and the clinical incidence of disease, and finally, the stage of carcinogenesis affected by UVR and other inititating factors, as well as the impact of any specific modulation for the pathogenesis and clinical course of the disease remain to be elucidated.

Keywords:
Heterogeneity, Etiology and pathogenesis of melanoma, Ultraviolet radiation and melanoma
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1988 S. Karger AG, Basel
1988
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.