Xeroderma Pigmentosum, also known as XP, is a rare disorder identified by aging skin, photosensitivity, pigmentary changes, and malignant tumor development. This affliction received its name from its characterized dry, pigmented skin. The symptoms are caused by an irregularity in DNA repair as a result of cellular hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. XP usually presents itself during infancy and early childhood. Just a few minutes in the sun can cause serious sunburn with redness and blistering. People with this unique condition have an expanded risk of developing skin cancer.
XP mainly affects the integumentary system in many ways. An extremely heightened response to sunlight with skin blistering and an excessive amount of freckling appearing after exposure to the sun are some early signs of XP. Other symptoms include erythema, telangiectasia which is small red skin lesions developed from abnormal widening of blood vessels, abnormal darkening of the skin or hyperpigmentation, and diminished pigmentation of the skin also known as hypopigmentation. There are numerous types of benign and malignant tumors that may be linked to XP with some cases having possible onset before the age five. Sunlight-induced skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma commonly affects …show more content…
However, this condition is more common in Japan, North Africa, and the Middle East. It appears to affect males and females in equal numbers. Immediately after birth or within the first three years of life is when the onset of symptoms usually occur and about half of children with this condition develop their first skin cancer by age 10. Yet, some symptoms may not appear until later childhood. Inherited mutations in at least eight genes have been found to cause
XP mainly affects the integumentary system in many ways. An extremely heightened response to sunlight with skin blistering and an excessive amount of freckling appearing after exposure to the sun are some early signs of XP. Other symptoms include erythema, telangiectasia which is small red skin lesions developed from abnormal widening of blood vessels, abnormal darkening of the skin or hyperpigmentation, and diminished pigmentation of the skin also known as hypopigmentation. There are numerous types of benign and malignant tumors that may be linked to XP with some cases having possible onset before the age five. Sunlight-induced skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma commonly affects …show more content…
However, this condition is more common in Japan, North Africa, and the Middle East. It appears to affect males and females in equal numbers. Immediately after birth or within the first three years of life is when the onset of symptoms usually occur and about half of children with this condition develop their first skin cancer by age 10. Yet, some symptoms may not appear until later childhood. Inherited mutations in at least eight genes have been found to cause