Abstract: Inhibiting the enzymic action of tyrosinase in the melanocyte prior to, during, or after ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, including over-exposure causing erythema, or sunburn, prevents the production of melanin and thereby melanoma. Melanoma can be prevented by using a tyrosinase inhibitor agent that inhibits the enzymic action of tyrosinase to prevent damage and/or death of melanocytes. The inhibitor agent can be applied to the skin or ingested.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods of establishing a Melanocyte Protection Factor (MPF), which indicates the level of protection against DNA damage to a target cell, such as the level of protection a particular sunscreen offers against UVA rays when compared to the unprotected case, i.e., no sunscreen. The present invention determines and records levels of stable melanin radicals (SMR) in a target cell. Light is applied to the target cell forming light-induced melanin radicals (LIR). The levels of SMR and intensity of LIR are measured to determine the amount of incident light reaching the target cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus use electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide a signal from melanin to image a melanoma. Embodiments of methods and apparatus use electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide a signal from melanin to detect metastatic melanoma in a sentinel lymph node. Embodiments of methods and apparatus use electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide a signal from melanin to measure light penetration in melanocytes in skin.