%0 Journal Article %A DANIELA MIHIC-PROBST %A AUREL PERREN %A SONJA SCHMID %A PARVIN SAREMASLANI %A PAUL KOMMINOTH %A PHILIPP U. HEITZ %T Absence of BRAF Gene Mutations Differentiates Spitz Nevi from Malignant Melanoma %D 2004 %J Anticancer Research %P 2415-2418 %V 24 %N 4 %X 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. Copyright© 2004 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved %U https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/anticanres/24/4/2415.full.pdf