PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - DANIELA MIHIC-PROBST
AU  - AUREL PERREN
AU  - SONJA SCHMID
AU  - PARVIN SAREMASLANI
AU  - PAUL KOMMINOTH
AU  - PHILIPP U. HEITZ
TI  - Absence of BRAF Gene Mutations Differentiates Spitz Nevi from Malignant Melanoma
DP  - 2004 Jul 01
TA  - Anticancer Research
PG  - 2415--2418
VI  - 24
IP  - 4
4099  - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/4/2415.short
4100  - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/4/2415.full
SO  - Anticancer Res2004 Jul 01; 24
AB  - 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