Skin Cancer a&P Case Study
Unit 4. Case Study 2: Skin Cancer
Cancer and Genetics
When it comes down to it, all cancer is genetic. It’s a result of mutations or changes in the DNA sequence of our genes. Genes can be looked at as a set of instructions that tell our cells what to do. Our DNA sequence “spells out” our genes into letters. Mutations are basically errors in the “spelling” of our DNA codes. Most mutations, if they’re minor, can be fixed by our own body’s cells. Problems arise when these mutated or damaged cells begin to reproduce without restraint or when these cells suppress normal cellular growth and repair. These “cancer genes” are classified according to their biological function which either encourages cell growth or suppresses cell growth. Proto-oncogenes normally encourage cell growth and proliferation at the appropriate time. However, when they’re mutated, they function as oncogenes and continually signal cellular growth and division. Tumor suppressor genes normally function to halt cellular growth, but when they’ve been mutated they allow cells to proliferate uncontrollably.
Only a small amount (less than 10%) of DNA mutations can be inherited. In the case of skin cancer, the mutations happen as a result of exposure to environmental agents like Ultra Violet (UV) rays or even chemicals that people work around.
Pathophysiology
Melanocytes are pigment-synthesizing cells located in the basal layer of the skin. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin and store it in intracellular compartments called melanosomes. The overall number of melanocytes is roughly equivalent for all people; however the level of melanin inside each melanosome and the number of melanosomes inside a melanocyte varies. The total amount of melanin is what determines the range of hair, eye and skin colors.
Ultraviolet solar radiation causes malignant changes in the skin by having direct mutagenic effects on DNA, damaging DNA and suppressing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Melanocytes
Cancer and Genetics
When it comes down to it, all cancer is genetic. It’s a result of mutations or changes in the DNA sequence of our genes. Genes can be looked at as a set of instructions that tell our cells what to do. Our DNA sequence “spells out” our genes into letters. Mutations are basically errors in the “spelling” of our DNA codes. Most mutations, if they’re minor, can be fixed by our own body’s cells. Problems arise when these mutated or damaged cells begin to reproduce without restraint or when these cells suppress normal cellular growth and repair. These “cancer genes” are classified according to their biological function which either encourages cell growth or suppresses cell growth. Proto-oncogenes normally encourage cell growth and proliferation at the appropriate time. However, when they’re mutated, they function as oncogenes and continually signal cellular growth and division. Tumor suppressor genes normally function to halt cellular growth, but when they’ve been mutated they allow cells to proliferate uncontrollably.
Only a small amount (less than 10%) of DNA mutations can be inherited. In the case of skin cancer, the mutations happen as a result of exposure to environmental agents like Ultra Violet (UV) rays or even chemicals that people work around.
Pathophysiology
Melanocytes are pigment-synthesizing cells located in the basal layer of the skin. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin and store it in intracellular compartments called melanosomes. The overall number of melanocytes is roughly equivalent for all people; however the level of melanin inside each melanosome and the number of melanosomes inside a melanocyte varies. The total amount of melanin is what determines the range of hair, eye and skin colors.
Ultraviolet solar radiation causes malignant changes in the skin by having direct mutagenic effects on DNA, damaging DNA and suppressing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Melanocytes
Bibliography: Brenda L. Wilkerson, B. (2011). Malignant Melanoma. Plastic Surgical Nursing. Meg R. Gerstenblith, M. (2007). Genetic Tesing for Melanoma Predisposition. Cancer Nursing.