A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has demonstrated a strong correlation between the consumption of the popular erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra (sildenafil) and an increased risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. In light of this study and various consumer reports, many consumers have filed Viagra melanoma lawsuits or may join Viagra melanoma class action lawsuits.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that forms from the cells in the body that contain pigment or melanin. While melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, comprising only 2 percent of all skin cancer cases, it is the most dangerous and should be caught during its early stages to increase patient survival rate.

According to the American Cancer Society, early signs of melanoma include:

• New dark splotches or spots on the skin
• Growth or shape change of existing moles or birthmarks
• Non-healing sores
• Spread of pigment from a spot
• Redness and/or swelling beyond the original border of spot or birthmark
• Sudden itchiness, tenderness, and pain
• Scaling, oozing, or bleeding of a surface mole
• Appearance of a bump or nodule

Causes of Melanoma

Genetics play a major role in an individual’s risk of developing skin cancer. Rare DNA mutations can develop over generations and be passed on to children, which, in the case of skin cancer, can increase a person’s risk or likelihood of developing melanoma. As with most genetic predispositions, one can decrease their risk of developing a hereditary melanoma by staying away from other causes, such as excessive exposure to UV light.

Like most cancer, melanoma is caused primarily by damaged DNA. In the case of skin cancer melanoma, the DNA is damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can occur when an individual is exposed to the sun for long periods of time without protection. DNA can also be damaged from UV radiation typically used in tanning beds.

Can Viagra cause Melanoma?

According to the JAMA research study published in June, men who use Viagra are 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer in comparison to men who do not use the Pfizer erectile dysfunction drug. The study was conducted by researchers working at the Harvard School of Public Health using data acquired over a 10-year period, between 2000 and 2010 involving 26,000 male research participants.

The JAMA study found that of the 26,000 cases, 3,500 men developed skin cancer. Of these 3,500 cases, 142 of participants developed melanoma skin cancer. According to Harvard researchers, other melanoma risk factors, such as genetics and UV exposure, were taken into account and allegedly did not affect the findings.