title: Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in melanoma.
abstract: Melanoma is a lethal melanocytic neoplasm. Unfortunately, the histological diagnosis can be difficult at times. Distinguishing ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms that are benign nevi from those that represent true melanoma is important both for treatment and prognosis. Diagnostic biomarkers currently used to assist in the diagnosis of melanoma are usually specific only for melanocytic neoplasms and not necessarily for their ability to metastasize. Traditional prognostic biomarkers include depth of invasion and mitotic count. Newer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers utilize immunohistochemical staining as well as ribonucleic acid, micro-ribonucleic acid, and deoxyribonucleic acid assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are of increasing importance in the treatment of melanoma with the development of newer and more targeted therapies. Herein, the authors review many of the common as well as newer diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers used in melanoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leininger
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, New York and Valhalla, New York.
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hamby
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology.
authors.forename: Bijan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Safai