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Melanocytic Neoplasms I: Molecular Diagnosis

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Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Pathology ((CCPATH))

Abstract

There are many possible indications and potential uses for molecular diagnostic techniques in the evaluation and management of melanocytic neoplasms. These include: (a) the identification of better diagnostic, staging, and prognostic markers; (b) the discovery of novel therapeutic targets; (c) the development of a molecular classification scheme, with the potential to stratify melanomas into subtypes which have similar pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment responses; (d) the determination of patterns of genetic deletions and/or gains that are associated with different clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma; (e) an improvement in our ability to accurately classify melanocytic lesions that are currently considered morphologically ambiguous, such as atypical Spitz tumors; (f) the identification of individuals and populations at high-risk for melanoma development; and (g) the application of genetic testing to help identify candidates requiring more comprehensive clinical screening.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St. Clair Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Pedram Gerami

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  1. Pedram Gerami
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  2. Bryan Gammon
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  3. Michael J. Murphy
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Correspondence to Pedram Gerami .

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  1. Health Center, Dept. Dermatology, University of Connecticut, Farmington Ave. 263, Farmington, 06030, Connecticut, USA

    Michael J. Murphy

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Gerami, P., Gammon, B., Murphy, M.J. (2011). Melanocytic Neoplasms I: Molecular Diagnosis. In: Murphy, M. (eds) Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology. Current Clinical Pathology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-171-4_5

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