Introduction
Melanoma cancer isn't common, but is quite dangerous as it can really easily spread throughout the body. This cancer starts in squamous cells, basal cells, or melanocytes. This cancer most commonly starts on the back or front for males and the legs for females. These melanoma cells often to produce melanin, so these tumors often are darker. Melanoma skin cancer isn't the only type of cancer, just one of the most dangerous. The risk factors for melanoma skin cancer can be seen here.
Mechanisms and genetic alterations
The most common mutated genes for melanoma cancer are ROS1, TP53, KMT2D, ERBB4, EPHA7, CDKN2A, FAT1. The most common copy number alteration genes are CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CCND1, FGF19, FGF3.
Current melanoma cancer treatments
At stage 0, the cancer is only at the top of the skin, so it can be removed with surgery. Sometimes, radiation therapy or imiquimod cream is used. At stage 1, surgery to remove the cancer and the skin around it is often used. Cancer in closeby lymph nodes are also looked for. At stage 3, the cancer has gotten to lymph nodes and surgery is required here. Usually right after, drugs are used to prevent the melanoma cancer from returning. At stage 4, the melanoma has gotten throughout the body. Metastases in organs are either gotten rid of or treated with radiation, immunotherapy, chemo, or drugs.
New treatments in clinical trials
