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A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Two cutaneous malignant melanomas at the same anatomic site: a case report with molecular evaluation
James T Edinger1, Arash Radfar, Drazen M Jukic
1Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. edingerjt@upmc.edu
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|March 14, 2009
Summary
Patients with malignant melanoma face a higher risk of a second primary melanoma. Molecular testing, including BRAF mutation analysis, can help distinguish new melanomas from recurrences.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Patients with a history of malignant melanoma have an elevated risk of developing a second primary melanoma.
- Second primary melanomas often arise in close proximity to the initial lesion, complicating histological differentiation from recurrence or metastasis.
Observation:
- A case is presented of a patient diagnosed with a second melanoma within 3 cm of the original site, two years post-initial diagnosis.
- Histomorphologic features suggested a separate primary melanoma, but the proximity necessitated further investigation.
Findings:
- Molecular testing, specifically loss of heterozygosity and BRAF mutation analysis, was employed to differentiate the lesions.
- The initial melanoma exhibited loss of heterozygosity and a BRAF mutation, which were absent in the second lesion.
Implications:
- While not definitively proving origin, these molecular markers serve as a valuable clinical tool.
- Distinguishing between a new primary melanoma and a recurrence is crucial for appropriate treatment and prognosis assessment.
