Is Melanoma Hormonally Driven?
asked 1 year ago by runnermomof3
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 204 times
Tags: hormones, melanoma, pregnancy, science
I developed melanoma during a pregnancy. I was 34 at the time. I have had a few friends develop it during pregnancies as well. I've read that studies say it is NOT a hormonally driven cancer. BUT, could it be pregnancy driven? When I asked my OB about that suspicious mole on my arm that was new/changing - he said it was normal to develop new moles during pg due to hormones. So if hormones during pg cause increase in moles, couldn't that increase risk of mel in those predisposed?
2 answers to Is Melanoma Hormonally Driven?
+1
See A Dermatologist
I URGE you to consult with a dermatologist, regarding the suspicious mole on your arm. The fact that you have a history of melanoma makes any advice to the contrary totally unjustified.
Driscoll et al, in Clinics in Dermatology Jan 2009 reviewed the rather copious literature on this subject. Their conclusion was a recommendation that pregnant women who have a changing pigmented lesion should undergo a biopsy promptly. Women who have atypical nevi or a past history of melanoma...
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Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1
Relationship of melanoma and hormones is not quite worked out yet
The evidence is confusing. We know there is a relationship but different studies show different things.
Some studies imply that estrogens and estrogen receptors in the skin are beneficial in melanoma. Estrogen receptors in the melanoma itself decrease in numbers when the melanoma is more invasive and more aggressive. Which comes first the decrease in the receptors or the invasiveness of melanoma is unknown as of yet. Also some studies show that women, particularly...
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