title: Cytogenetic and mutational analyses of melanocytic tumors.
abstract: Analyses of genetic and genomic alterations of melanocytic tumors have not only led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of melanocytic tumors but also created new opportunities for improvements in diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing nevus from melanoma, and more effective treatments for patients affected by melanoma. Cytogenetic tests have emerged as a promising ancillary method for the workup of diagnostically problematic melanocytic tumors with ambiguous light microscopic features. Mutation analysis not only is important in treatment decision making but also can be used for improved diagnostic accuracy, staging, and prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Pedram
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gerami
authors.forename: Klaus J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Busam
mesh_terms: D055028:Comparative Genomic Hybridization; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D044385:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits / Q000235:genetics; D043802:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000235:genetics; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C554062:GNA11 protein, human; C554061:GNAQ protein, human; D044385:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit; C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; D043802:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; D018631:ras Proteins