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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Absence of BRAF gene mutations differentiates spitz nevi from malignant melanoma
Daniela Mihic-Probst1, Aurel Perren, Sonja Schmid
1Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland. daniela.mihic@pty.usz.ch
Background:
Distinction of Spitz nevus from malignant melanoma is sometimes difficult on the basis of conventional histology. A high rate of BRAF gene mutations in malignant melanomas (66%) and nevi (82%) has recently been reported.
Materials And Methods:
We screened a series of 20 Spitz nevi for BRAF mutations in exons 11 and 15 by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).
Results:
BRAF mutations could not be identified in Spitz nevi.
Conclusion:
Our results show that mutations within the BRAF gene are useful markers for the differential diagnosis between Spitz nevus and malignant melanoma.
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