Recent studies suggest that using the erectile dysfunction medication sildenafil, known popularly as Viagra may raise the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer.

According to some studies, Viagra side effects may include an 84 percent increased risk of developing melanoma.

Viagra, generically known as sildenafil, is a very popular erectile dysfunction medication that has been on the market for several years. The drug belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors which help treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Viagra works by preventing the breakdown of a specific enzyme in the body.  This allows the blood vessels to remain dilated for a longer period of time and improves blood flow to the penis which helps maintain an erection.

Viagra Side Effects and Skin Cancer

According to a study published in the journal Cell Reports, led by Robert Feil from the University of Tubingen, serious Viagra side effects are associated with taking sildenafil.  Sildenafil stimulates skin tumor growth and increases the risk of Viagra skin cancer.

According to Feil and his team of researchers, sildenafil may disable the body’s ability to target and block skin cancer cells from growing.  This allows melanoma to grow more vigorously.

In 2014, a US study involving 15,000 men suggested a link between using Viagra and an increased risk of melanoma.  A year later this study was confirmed by a Swedish study that involved 24,000 male participants.

Feil does not feel that this information should prevent men from using Viagra occasionally and in low doses.  He believes the drug causes already existing cancers to grow more aggressively rather than cause new types of cancers to form.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a rare but very aggressive and serious form of skin cancer.  Less than 2% of skin cancer cases are diagnosed as melanoma.  According to the American Cancer Society, this year over 9,700 people are estimated to die from melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma occurs when skin cells begin to rapidly divide and form malignant tumors.  Melanoma often presents itself as a brown or black mole but these moles can be white, blue, purple, red, or pink.  While these moles can develop anywhere on the body the most common locations are the chest and back of men and the legs of women.  The neck and face can also be common melanoma mole sites.

If caught in its early stages Melanoma is often curable.  Unfortunately, if left untreated melanoma cancer is much more likely to spread quickly to other parts of the body.  Once the cancer begins to spread the likelihood that a patient will enter remission dramatically decreases.

Since early detection is so important, medical professionals suggest people perform monthly self checks, looking for any new moles or changes in existing moles.

If patients have developed melanoma while taking sildenafil they may be able to file a Viagra skin cancer lawsuit.  Plaintiffs who bring Viagra skin cancer lawsuits may receive compensation for the injuries they incurred while taking Viagra.