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Updated: May 1, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

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Dermoscopic criteria associated with BRAF and NRAS mutation status in primary cutaneous melanoma

F C Pozzobon1, J A Puig-Butillé, T González-Alvarez

  • 1Dermatology Department, Melanoma Unit, Hospital Clinic & IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain; National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.

The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 23, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

BRAF mutations in melanoma correlate with specific clinical and dermoscopic features, including trunk location and dermoscopic peppering. These findings may reflect underlying immune responses in BRAF-mutated melanomas.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • BRAF mutations are key drivers in melanoma, leading to targeted therapies.
  • Few clinical or histological features are reliably linked to BRAF mutational status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate clinical, histopathological, and dermoscopic characteristics of primary melanomas based on BRAF or NRAS mutational status.

Main Methods:

  • Observational retrospective study analyzing dermoscopy images of melanoma patients.
  • Somatic mutations in BRAF and NRAS were assessed.

Main Results:

  • BRAF-mutated melanomas were more common on the trunk (64%) and showed histological ulceration (OR 3.141, P=0.002).
  • Dermoscopic peppering was associated with MAPK mutations (BRAF/NRAS) (OR 1.68, P=0.015).
  • BRAF and NRAS mutations were mutually exclusive (39% BRAF, 6% NRAS).

Conclusions:

  • BRAF/NRAS status correlates with dermoscopic 'peppering,' indicating regression and dermal melanophages.
  • This suggests a potential morphological consequence of immune behavior in BRAF-mutated melanomas.

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