Research has recently linked the use of Viagra to an increased risk of developing melanoma, a rare but deadly form of skin cancer. In a preliminary study of 26,000 men, researchers found that men taking Viagra (sildenafil) were almost 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma than participants not taking the drug.

According to the study, although men’s risk of contracting melanoma increased, the likelihood of developing other more common forms of skin cancer, such as basal cell or squamous cell cancer, did not increase. Scientists believe that Viagra may affect the same cell pathways that melanoma cells use to develop and become invasive.

Because studies linking Viagra to melanoma are still preliminary, researchers are not yet suggesting men stop taking the erectile dysfunction drug. However, men who are more naturally inclined to develop melanoma may want to discuss with a medical professional whether to continue using Viagra.

Factors associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma include having fair skin, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, sun-sensitive skin, and the presence of multiple moles on the body.

Overview of Melanoma

Melanoma affects thousands of people in the United States each year. During 2014, over 76,000 new cases of melanoma were expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. alone.

The most common signs of melanoma are new and unusual looking moles growing on the skin. The moles are usually oddly shaped, uneven, or different colors.

Persons diagnosed early on often have a better chance of survival and doctors recommend people routinely perform self skin checks. In performing a self skin check, people should look for moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, are varied in color, larger than 6 millimeters in diameter, or are constantly evolving and changing. For many people, melanoma in its early stages has no symptoms but sometimes melanoma will itch, bleed, or feel painful.

A dermatologist diagnoses melanoma in several steps. A dermatologist will carefully examine any suspicious looking moles, possibly using a dermoscope. A dermoscope helps magnify a patient’s skin so the doctor can get better look at the skin pigment and the mole structure. If a mole looks like melanoma a dermatologist will usually take a skin biopsy by removing the mole or a small part of it and sending it to a lab for testing.

During the beginning stages of melanoma the cancer is often self-contained. As the stages develop, the melanoma can grow from 1.01 millimeters to a size greater than 4 millimeters thick. Eventually the melanoma spreads either to nearby lymph nodes or nearby skin.

In its final stages it can spread to internal organs, and/or lymph nodes and skin cells far from the original point of growth. Cure rates usually depend on how deeply the melanoma has grown and spread throughout the body.

Overview of Viagra Melanoma Lawsuits

Due to the recent studies linking Viagra to melanoma, personal injury attorneys are helping many patients affected pursue monetary compensation from the drug manufacturers. Viagra lawsuit claims will likely assert that the drug manufacturers violated consumer protection laws and failed to warn the medical community or general public about risks associated with taking the medication.