Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Cutaneous malignant melanoma and sun exposure. Recent developments in epidemiology
1Department of Dermatology, University of Athens School of Medicine, A. Sygros Hospital, Greece.
Background:
The rapidly increasing incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in white populations world-wide stresses the need for identification of risk factors for the disease. The most important risk factor seems to be sun exposure, but its relationship to melanoma appears to be complex.
Observations:
Epidemiological studies that examine the association of sun exposure with melanoma are reviewed. The results of these studies concern the anatomic distribution of the disease and its incidence with regard to latitude of residence, sun sensitivity, different patterns of sun exposure, and sun exposure in childhood.
Conclusions:
Sun-sensitive individuals, children, and individuals with an intermittant pattern of sun exposure seem to be very vulnerable to sunlight, as far as melanoma formation is concerned, and should be thoroughly protected from sun exposure.
Related Concept Videos
Mutations
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...

