Melanoma

Melanoma is a skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis. Not all melanomas are pigmented or dark-colored, however. About 70,000 new cases are  expected in the US in 2011, with just over half of them in men. Melanoma often appears on the chest and back in men, and on the legs in women. Melanoma is rarer than squamous and basal cell skin carcinomas and more likely to spread if not detected and treated early. The main treatment is surgical removal, with improved methods allowing smaller areas to be targeted. Lymph nodes in the area of the melanoma may be tested and removed. Drug treatments include chemotherapy, antibodies, drugs to provoke the immune system, and anticipated soon, another BRAF kinase inhibitor drug which counteracts a specific gene mutation in the tumors.

Role of our laboratory tests

Tests NeoGenomics perform include: Morphology studies are performed by a pathologist who examines tissue under the microscope for thickness, structure, organization, and other characteristics of the abnormal cells. Colored stains enhance the features. Samples are frequently tested by IHC (immunohistochemistry) to detect features that aren’t revealed by color stains. In this technique, chemically-labeled tags that mark only certain targets are applied to thin sections of the tumor and attach if the targets are present. The sections are then analyzed under a microscope. FISH, or fluorescence in situ hybridization, uses fluorescent DNA probes and microscopy to scan the chromosomes of a large number of cells. MelanoSITE™ is NeoGenomics’ FISH test on skin biopsies that helps diagnose questionable moles (dysplastic nevi) by determining if they have chromosome defects commonly found in melanoma. Molecular genetics (DNA analysis) is an ultra-sensitive method to detect gene-level mutations. The V600E mutation in the BRAF gene is present in about half of melanomas and testing for it helps guide choice of therapy.

Recent research highlights

• Drugs hailed as a 'major breakthrough' in treating deadly skin cancer
  June 2011 - L.A. Times
• Five genetic variants emerge as strong markers of susceptibility for melanoma
  June 2011 - Medical News Today

Support and information resources

Melanoma Patient Information Page
The MPIP, hosted through the Melanoma Research Foundation, is the oldest and largest community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends.

The Skin Cancer Foundation
Since its founding in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has set the standard for educating the public and the medical profession about skin cancer, its prevention by means of sun protection, the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment.

Clinical trials

• Please see our Clinical Trials Information page if you would like to learn which opportunities may be available to you.

The information presented is for general education and does not represent medical advice. Please discuss all questions and concerns with your medical care team. Links to other websites are provided for convenience and do not represent an endorsement of those sites by NeoGenomics.