If Viagra does, in fact, cause melanoma, more research is needed in order to pinpoint the exact mechanism behind the association. However, scientists have speculated that Viagra may lead to the development of cancer by increasing the aggressiveness of melanoma cancer cells.
Viagra is a PDE5A (phosphodiesterase 5A) inhibitor, which means that it inhibits the function of PDE5A, an enzyme found in the tissues of the penis. When this enzyme is blocked, blood flow to the area increases and erections improve. However, research suggests that low PDE5A expression may also cause melanoma cells to become more invasive. Unfortunately, when these cells become more invasive, they are able to take hold and form a tumor more easily, thus accounting for the increased rates of melanoma among Viagra users.
In fact, some scientists have suggested that, if Viagra does increase the invasiveness of melanoma cells, the drug may even raise mortality rates among men who develop melanoma. This would mean that Viagra not only increases the risk of cancer, but it also increases the risk of dying from that cancer.
According to a study entitled "Role of Sildenafil in Melanoma Incidence and Mortality," which was published in 2014, the scientific community had already determined that women have a 30 percent survival advantage over men when it comes to melanoma. The study states that this disparity may be related to the propensity of men to take Viagra, which increases the aggressiveness of tumor cells and worsens the prognosis among melanoma victims. However, more research is necessary in order to prove this theory.
If you would like to explore the possibility of bringing legal action to obtain compensation for a melanoma related to Viagra usage, please contact the experienced attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates, LLP at (855)-423-3666 to discuss your options.
For more information regarding the link between Viagra and the deadly skin cancer Melanoma, please download a free copy of our e-book, Viagra, The Unvarnished Truth- How the Link between the Deadly Skin Cancer Melanoma and Viagra.