The results that are outputted in run-through of the program are shown in two ways. The primary output is the cross section of the skin (Appendix B, Figure 6). This output has a black dot for where the initial cancer was placed. It creates red squares that together form a larger red shape that represents the cancer mole. There are also the grey dots that represent the other, non-cancerous cells. On top of the drawing is the axis overlay and the skin layers division lines.
The second output is the graph (Appendix B, Figure 7). It shows the x-axis represents the development cycle number while the y-axis represents the cell count at a certain development cycle. It has the labeled axes and the maximum value for each of the axes. Also, a brief description of what the graph shows is provided.
Initially, when running this code, the output was a large red square (See Appendix B, Figure 2), with its center at the initial point of infection, as determined by the user input. No factors of growth were incorporated into this preliminary output. As we continued developing the program, perfecting the algorithm, and adding factors that affected growth, the square changed to a sphere and then into the more accurate ellipse.
While visiting with our mentor Dr.Wong, he informed us that usually the number of cancer cells can be represented by a sigmoidal (See Appendix A, Figure 4) curve, which starts out like a graph of exponential growth and then levels off, as stated in earlier sections. Initially the growth was completely exponential, though the growth became closer to this ideal curve again as development proceeded (Appendix B, Figure 3).
The ideal growth that we have is initially a part of an exponential curve (See Appendix B, Figure 4). This is what we expected to find, knowing that each cancer growth sends out satellite nodules, which in turn each send out more satellite nodules. Such growth is the very definition of exponential and accounts for the rapid spread of melanoma cancer. As growth was reduced in later development cycles we see that good leveling out of the curve (Appendix B, Figure 3).