Molecular Diagnosis of Melanoma

Although analysis of a tumor by the AJCC staging system is the primary factor for determining accurate prognoses and guiding general treatment decisions, there are instances when more information can be useful. Genetic and molecular alterations play a key role in melanoma pathogenesis through all stages of the disease. Identifying the driver mutations in melanoma allows for more personalized treatment, improved screening for potential clinical trials, and greater accuracy of prognosis.