From the Guidelines
Melanoma originates from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with excess sun exposure and UV-based artificial tanning being major contributors to its development.
Key Factors
- Genetic factors: family history of melanoma, prior melanoma, multiple clinically atypical moles or dysplastic nevi, and inherited genetic mutations 1
- Environmental factors: excess sun exposure, UV-based artificial tanning, and UV radiation from sources such as tanning beds 1
High-Risk Groups
- Individuals with fair skin that sunburns easily, light-colored eyes, and red or blond hair 1
- Those with a history of frequent sunburns, older age, and male sex 1
Types of Melanoma
- Acral lentiginous melanoma: occurs mostly on skin not frequently exposed to direct sunlight, common among Black populations 1
- Other types: associated with higher numbers of moles on the skin, atypical moles, and personal and family history of skin cancer 1
Prevention
- Protection against UV radiation: using sun-protective clothing and sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds and excessive sun exposure 1
From the Research
Origin of Melanoma
- Melanoma arises from melanocytes, which are derived from multipotent neural crest cells and are present in diverse anatomical locations, including skin, eyes, and various mucosal membranes 2.
- Melanocytes are originated from melanocytes stem cells through a cellular process called melanogenesis, and several genes and epigenetic and micro-environmental factors are involved in this process 3.
- The cellular origin of melanoma is thought to be from melanocyte stem cells or differentiated pigment-producing melanocytes, depending on a combination of tissue and anatomical site of origin and activation of oncogenic mutations 2.
- Melanoma can also arise from other melanocyte precursors, and the role of these cells in the development of melanoma is still being investigated 4, 5.
Melanocyte Stem Cells and Melanoma
- Melanocyte stem cells contribute to melanocyte renewal, and tissue-resident melanocyte stem cells and melanocyte precursors may play a role in the development of melanoma 2.
- The zebrafish model can be used to study the regulation and recruitment of melanocyte stem cells and to investigate the effects of environmental radiation on the proliferation, survival, repair, and differentiation of these cells 5.
- Melanocyte stem cells may be more susceptible to solar radiation, and this susceptibility may contribute to the development of melanoma 5.
Molecular and Cellular Changes
- Several genetic, genomic, and cellular changes are associated with melanoma initiation, including dysregulation of the balance between melanocytes stem cells proliferation and their differentiation into melanocytes 3, 4.
- The molecular pathways regulating melanin production in melanoma cells are still not fully understood, but it is thought that aberrant production of glycosylation structures known as beta1,6-branched oligosaccharides may play a role 6.