NR 283 Week 6 Assignment; RUA; Pathophysiological Processes; Melanoma

RUA: Melanoma Student Name Chamberlain University College of Nursing NR283-13298: Pathophysiology Dr. Pettifor Date: …… RUA: Melanoma Introduction The disease I chose to write this paper over is melanoma. Melanoma is a very serious and malignant form of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes. The reason why this form of cancer develops is because of some genetic factors, exposure to ultraviolet rays, as well as the influence of hormones (Hubert, 2017). Schadendorf et al. (2018) stated, “Age-cohort period analyses of melanoma incidence in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and the white population of the USA from 1982 to 2011 revealed that the incidence increased about 3% annually, and will further increase at least until 2022 in Norway, Sweden, the UK, and the USA.” In other words, the epidemiology of melanoma is predominantly related to genetic factors such as skin color as well as exposure to ultraviolet radiation such as the sun. Etiology and Risk Factors Risk factors for melanoma include exposure to the sun, indoor tanning beds, sunburns, presence of melanocytic or dysplastic nevi, personal and/or family history of melanoma, phenotypic characters (light hair, skin, and eyes), the tendency to freckle, and a high socioeconomic status (Schadendorf et al., 2018). Melanoma is the fifth most common in men and sixth most common in women (Schadendorf et al., 2018). A common cause of melanoma is the build-up of melanocytes often caused from the risk factors mentioned above (Hubert, 2017). O’Neill & Scoggins (2019) stated, “While most cases affect the elderly, it is the third most common cancer in adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 39 years.” Some genetic syndromes and genes such as BRCA2 gene, xeroderma pigmentosum, CDKN2A gene, OCA2 gene, and MC1R gene can pose as a higher risk of melanoma in individuals (O’Neill & Scoggins, 2019). The influence that the environment has on melanoma is exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation. That seems to be one of the main risk factors and causes, so staying away from indoor tanning beds and exposing yourself to the sun too much (especially without protection), can potentially eliminate or lower your risk of getting a malignant melanoma. Pathophysiological Processes According to Hubert (2017), “Melanomas arise from melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis or from a nevus (mole), a collection of melanocytes. There are many types of nevi, most of which do not become malignant. Nevi that grow; change shape, color, size, or texture; or bleed are to be suspected of malignancy. Malignant melanomas often appear as multicolored lesions with an irregular border. Melanomas grow quickly, extending