Untreated sleep apnea may be related to melanoma aggressiveness

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-05/ats-usa050916.php

Public Release: 16-May-2016
Untreated sleep apnea may be related to melanoma aggressiveness
American Thoracic Society

Untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased aggressiveness of malignant cutaneous melanoma, according to the first multicenter prospective study on the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing (apnea or hypopnea) and cancer.

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"The relationship between sleep apnea and heart disease, as well as with automotive accidents, is already well established," said Dr. Martinez-Garcia. "Based on our study, it seems a relationship between sleep apnea and cancer may also exist. It is very important, however, that people with sleep apnea do not infer that they will necessarily develop cancer."

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