Viagra (sildenafil) is used by men across the country to treat erectile dysfunction.

While Viagra has been around since the 1990s, and is essentially a household name at this point, recent research indicates that the drug may stimulate the growth of skin tumors.

Researchers from the University of Tübingen in Germany have discovered that Viagra affects a signaling pathway in melanoma cells. The lead researcher, Professor Robert Feil, published the results of the Viagra melanoma study in the journal Cell Reports.

Viagra treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Viagra is one of a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors.

According to these researchers, malignant melanoma cells use the cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) signaling pathway to grow. Under normal circumstance, the signaling pathway would be broken down by PDE, an enzyme that breaks down signaling molecules.

However, with Viagra working as a PDE inhibitor, PDE cannot successfully break down the cGMP signaling pathway. Taking Viagra, therefore, would allow melanoma to grow more freely.

The researchers conducted their experiments in both animals and human cell cultures.

Previous studies have indicated that there may be a link between Viagra and melanoma cancer. For instance, a U.S. study published in 2014 showed a higher risk of malignant melanoma with Viagra use. A Swedish study published in 2015 found a similar correlation.

However, none of these previous studies could find a reason for the increased risk of melanoma the studies associated with Viagra intake. Skin cancer is highly influenced by a number of lifestyle factors, including sunbathing and tanning, which is difficult to take into account.

While this new study may explain the connection between Viagra and malignant melanoma skin cancer, Viagra does not actually cause skin cancer. Instead, the study found that the drug may simply allow already existent melanoma cells to grow more rapidly.

According to Prof. Feil, “We are assuming that sildenafil and possibly other PDE5 inhibitors could first and foremost reinforce the growth of existing melanomas – particularly if these medications are taken frequently and in high dosages.”

However, Prof. Feil does warn that patients with melanoma should discuss Viagra usage with their doctor, so as not to allow melanoma cells to generate even more rapidly.

Prof. Feil does urge caution in exposing ourselves to skin cancer. The best way to help reduce skin cancer is in cutting sun exposure and using sufficient UV protection.”

What is Melanoma Skin Cancer?

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and occurs when skin cells multiply rapidly, forming malignant tumors. Less than 2 percent of skin cancer cases are melanoma, but more skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma rather than another kind.

Melanomas resemble moles and appear on the skin.  In some cases, melanoma actually develops from moles which can be distinguished by their characteristics and color, typically black or brown in color, they can also be pink, red, purple, blue or white.

Viagra Skin Cancer Lawsuits

Viagra lawsuits allege that, had the manufacturer included a warning about the risk of melanoma skin cancer, diagnosis with the dangerous disease could have been avoided.

Though filing a lawsuit cannot heal cancer or bring back a loved one, it can help with medical bills and peace of mind. If you or someone you know was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer after using Viagra or another erectile dysfunction drug, you may be able to file a lawsuit.