Genetics Symposium - Melanoma

 

Introduction

Gabby and I chose to do our symposium on superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). Superficial spreading melanoma is a skin cancer that typically develops due to UV exposure but can also be inherited. SSM is the most common type of melanoma, so it is important to educate yourself on the cancer. Watch the video below to learn more about the genetics of melanoma and how to protect yourself if you are at risk!

Reflection

So, what did you learn? I personally learned a lot about the dangers of UV rays, especially tanning beds, and how melanoma can be inherited. I was so interested to hear about mutations in the BRAF gene being a cause of melanoma. I find it really amazing that scientists have been able to identify a specific gene that causes melanoma. Learning about how to treat melanoma was also super interesting to me because I was able to do in-depth research how each treatment directly attacks melanoma cells, which reminded me of our unit on viruses. I am so glad that doctors have discovered so many different types of treatments so melanoma is much easier to treat. I'm really happy with Gabby and I's video. I had a lot of fun creating this video because we worked really well together and used our time wisely so we had extra time to add fun things. I think next time, we could focus more on the timing and making sure we have enough time for everything because originally we were supposed to have two interviews but had to cut one out due to timing. I also think we could have been more mindful about the length of the interview because the interview is a big chunk of our video. I really enjoyed the crash course style because this style is really engaging and also really fun! I'm also very happy with our visuals because they are very specific to our research so the visuals really add to the video and the meaning of our research. I was also really proud of the research that we conducted because the research is very informational and could be helpful for a lot of people watching the video. Overall, I'm really happy with our video!

Works Cited

Bradford, Porcia T. “Skin Cancer in Skin of Color - PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757062/. Accessed 30 January 2024.

“BRAF Mutation and Cancer.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/braf-mutation-and-cancer. Accessed 26 January 2024.

“How does the sun and UV cause cancer?” Cancer Research UK, 30 November 2023, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-does-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer. Accessed 30 January 2024.

“Melanoma Treatment.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/melanoma/treatment. Accessed 25 January 2024.

Morrison, Deborah K. “MAP Kinase Pathways - PMC.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3536342/. Accessed 29 January 2024.

Oakley, Amanda. “Superficial spreading melanoma.” DermNet, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/superficial-spreading-melanoma. Accessed 25 January 2024.

“The significance of BRAF V600E mutation status discordance between primary cutaneous melanoma and brain metastases: The implications for BRAF inhibitor therapy.” NCBI, 1 December 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5728729/. Accessed 25 January 2024.

“673 - Gene ResultBRAF B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase [ (human)].” NCBI, 22 January 2024, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/673. Accessed 29 January 2024.

“Superficial Spreading Melanoma.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/melanoma/types-melanoma/superficial-spreading-melanoma. Accessed 25 January 2024.

“Superficial spreading melanoma.” Cancer Treatment Centers of America, 20 October 2022, https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/melanoma/types/superficial-spreading-melanoma. Accessed 26 January 2024.

Timothy DiChiara, PhD. “LDH Tests Can Help Your Healthcare Provider Determine If Skin Cancer Has Spread.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 20 May 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/guide-to-the-ldh-test-for-melanoma-3010749.