NURS 6501 Week 2 Assignment; Case Study Analysis - Melanoma and Cellular Behavior
Document Preview
Unlock Full 4 Page Document Instantly.
Document Overview
mutations occur, these cells can become cancerous. The abnormal cells lose control of their growth and start to spread into deeper layers of skin, which explains the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The most important part of the diagnosis is the biopsy, which shows how the cells look under a microscope. In this case, the biopsy confirms cancer because of how the melanocytes are growing and how they have invaded the dermis (Rogers, 2023). The Role of Genetic Mutations Genetic mutations play a big role in the development of melanoma. Some people inherit mutations from their parents, while others develop them over time, especially from sun exposure and UV radiation. One common gene involved in melanoma is the BRAF gene. This gene normally helps cells grow in a controlled way, but when it mutates, it can cause cells to grow too fast, leading to cancer (Rogers, 2023). Another important gene is CDKN2A, which helps control the cell cycle. Mutations in this gene can make it easier for cells to divide without stopping, which is another step toward cancer. Not everyone with these mutations gets melanoma, but it increases the risk, especially when combined with environmental factors like excessive sun exposure. Immune System Impact and Treatment Strategies Melanoma affects the immune system in different ways. In the early stages, the immune system may try to fight the abnormal cells. However, as the cancer grows, it can trick the immune system or even shut it down in certain areas. Cancer cells often produce substances that block immune responses, helping them survive and spread (Rogers, 2023). This evasion of normal immune responses resembles mechanisms seen in hypersensitivity reactions, where the immune system either overreacts or fails to respond effectively (Justiz-Vaillant & Zito, 2019). To fight this, new treatments are designed to help the immune system recognize and kill the cancer cells. For example, • Chapter 12: Cancer Biology • Chapter 13: Cancer Epidemiology • Chapter 46: Structure, Function and Disorders of the Integument
Full content available after purchase or with an active subscription.
Related Products
Related Products
Academic Use Notice: This resource is provided strictly as study support material to help students review concepts, understand topic structure, and prepare their own original academic work responsibly. It is not intended to be submitted directly as a student's own work.