title: Molecular Profiling in Cutaneous Melanoma.
abstract: Molecular profiling of malignant tumors is gaining increasing interest in oncology. In recent years, several molecular techniques have been studied in melanoma, with the goal to improve upon the diagnostic and prognostic abilities of currently available clinical and histopathologic parameters. Reliable tests performed early in the diagnosis and management of melanoma could lead to decreased morbidity and mortality by selecting appropriate patients for more-aggressive therapy and sparing those for whom it is not indicated. This article reviews the molecular diagnostic and prognostic techniques currently available for melanoma and evaluates their potential role in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Dermatology Service, Palo Alto,  Stanford, California|Stanford University Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology Department of Dermatology, Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, Stanford, California
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Health System, Department of Dermatology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
authors.forename: Christopher K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Bichakjian
authors.affiliation: VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Dermatology Service, Palo Alto,  Stanford, California|Stanford University Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Department of Dermatology Department of Dermatology, Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, Stanford, California
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Swetter
mesh_terms: D055028:Comparative Genomic Hybridization; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*