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Suntan, the darkening of the skin following exposure to UV radiation, has cultural, cosmetic, and physiological significance. Despite the perception of a suntan as a healthy glow, the process itself is indicative of cellular damage. Ultraviolet Radiation and Skin: UV radiation, comprising UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (280-320 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm), is emitted by the sun. When UV rays reach the skin, they interact with chromophores such as melanin, DNA, and proteins, leading to a range of biological responses. Melanogenesis: Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color, plays a vital role in suntan. Upon exposure to UV radiation, melanocytes produce and distribute more melanin to neighboring keratinocytes. This increase in melanin pigment results in the darkening of the skin. Photochemical and Photobiological Effects: UV radiation induces numerous photochemical and photobiological effects on the skin, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These proces...

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. In the United States, it is the fifth most common cancer in men and women; its incidence increases with age. As survival rates for people with melanoma depend on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, early diagnosis is crucial to improve patient outcome and save lives. Although most melanomas are detected by patients themselves, clinician detection is associated with thinner, more curable tumors. Most patients with thin, invasive melanoma (Breslow thickness ≤1 mm) can expect prolonged disease-free survival and likely cure following treatment. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. It accounts for a significant proportion of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. This section provides an introduction to melanoma, its classification, and the global burden of the disease. The age-standardized annual incidence of melanoma worldwide is estim...