Melanoma skin cancer is the rarest form of skin cancer, and the most deadly. So, a recent study that suggested Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs can cause an increased risk of melanoma raised concern for many medical professionals and Viagra users.

Discussion over alleged Viagra melanoma has continued ever since a Viagra study was published in April in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study suggested that men who took Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra were 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer. It was hinted that Cialis and Levitra may even be more dangerous than Viagra because it remains in the body for a longer period of time.

Over 25,000 men were examined in this Viagra study over a 10-year period. About 3,500 Viagra skin cancer cases developed over this time, including nearly 150 Viagra melanoma cases.

Though the study did not confirm Viagra skin cancer concerns, it showed strong evidence for further study into Viagra melanoma. Other melanoma factors were taken into consideration during the study.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Heath, who performed the study, suggested that those who are taking Viagra should talk to their doctors if they are concerned.

Many have stated that they do not believe there is a need for concern over Viagra melanoma yet, but most agree that additional study would be valuable. The study did not find an increase in other skin cancers from Viagra users.

Melanoma Skin Cancer

Risk of  developing melanoma skin cancer may be increased by a large number of factors such as family history, ultraviolet light (UV rays) exposure, hair color, and mole count. Signs of melanomas, the cancer itself, is often mistaken for a mole, as they are typically black or brown.

Melanoma skin cancer is rare, making up only 2 percent of all skin cancer cases. Despite its low occurrence, more people die from melanoma than from other forms of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer).

The American Cancer Society estimated that over 70,000 new melanoma cases would be diagnosed in 2014 with nearly 10,000 people dying from the skin cancer.

If a mole is or becomes abnormal in color, size or evenness, please see your physician.

Viagra Skin Cancer Lawsuits

Many individuals have filed Viagra skin cancer lawsuits against Pfizer that claim the drug caused them to develop melanoma skin cancer. Men may also join a Viagra skin cancer class action lawsuit investigation currently underway.

Pfizer has been promoting Viagra as a safe erectile dysfunction drug since 1998 when it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, sales have taken a hit as other erectile dysfunction drugs have come on the market and as users are becoming more aware of possible Viagra skin cancer.