Is it better for melanoma to have a BRAF mutation or not to have a BRAF mutation?

Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

Updated on April 16, 2025

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Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with a very high malignancy. Before targeted drugs were available, patients with BRAF gene mutations indicated a poorer prognosis for melanoma. The mutation of the BRAF gene promotes the progression of melanoma. However, with the advancement of current clinical research, patients with melanoma having BRAF mutations have a better therapeutic effect with BRAF inhibitor targeted therapy. After adopting this targeted drug treatment, the cure rate has significantly increased, and the prognosis of patients has markedly improved. Therefore, patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma can benefit from targeted therapy.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo

Oncology

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The significance of melanoma genetic testing

The significance of genetic testing for melanoma patients mainly involves two aspects: first, the identification of specific driver gene mutations to guide the application of targeted drugs; second, the detection of mutations in some common genes to judge the prognosis of the disease. Regarding the target gene mutations for drug selection, the commonly used ones include mutations in C-KIT, BRAF, and M-TOR. If mutations in these target genes are found, corresponding targeted drugs can be used for treatment. These drugs are generally orally administered, have relatively good efficacy, low side effects, and are suitable for the treatment of melanoma. Additionally, some genetic tests can predict the prognosis of melanoma patients based on the presence or absence of mutations.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 6sec

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Can a melanoma heal by itself if it ruptures?

Melanoma cannot heal itself once it has ruptured. Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor, and if melanoma occurs, it is crucial to cooperate actively with the doctor to perform excision surgery. After the surgical removal, pathological examination must be carried out, and treatment should be sought promptly to avoid delaying the condition. If there is bleeding, ulceration, pain, or a significant increase in the size of skin pigmented moles, it is highly suspect for malignant transformation, and one should promptly visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital for examination. If malignant transformation is possible, it is critical to perform surgery early and conduct a pathological examination. The symptoms of melanoma are related to the age of onset; in younger patients, it usually presents as itching, changes in the color of the lesions, and expanding borders, while older patients typically exhibit noticeable ulceration of the lesions.

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Written by Gong Chun

Oncology

1min 2sec

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What is melanoma?

Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. It is commonly found in individuals with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes, who are often prone to this type of disease, particularly in tropical regions where the condition is more prevalent. The incidence rate increases after the age of fifty, and the rate of occurrence between men and women within the same group is quite similar. In a minority of cases, melanoma can also occur in parts outside of the skin, such as the anus, rectum, esophagus, or inside the eyes. When the tumor is confined within the epidermis, referred to as in situ carcinoma, it can be cured through surgery. If there is metastasis, treatment may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or local radiotherapy.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo

Oncology

36sec

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Stage IV melanoma is what stage?

Melanoma stage IV is stage 4, where IV is the Roman numeral for 4. Stage IV melanoma means that the melanoma is no longer confined to the site of origin and has metastasized to distant organs. Melanoma commonly originates in the skin and mucous membranes, with the most common sites of metastasis being the lymph nodes and lungs. Once melanoma reaches stage 4, the opportunity for curative surgery is lost. Treatment primarily involves immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapy, etc., and is incurable.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 6sec

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How to distinguish whether melanoma is benign or cancerous

Melanomas are always malignant; there are no benign melanomas. Benign lesions are called pigmented nevi, which are usually classified into three types: intradermal nevi, junctional nevi, and compound nevi. When a pigmented nevus becomes malignant, it is then referred to as melanoma. Therefore, in clinical practice, when we mention melanoma, we are referring to malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is staged based on the degree of invasion and whether it has metastasized. Treatment methods vary depending on the stage, and there are differences in treatment approaches. Therefore, if a pigmented nevus visibly enlarges over a short period, and shows symptoms such as ulceration, bleeding, or pain, it is necessary to promptly visit a reputable hospital's dermatology department for surgical removal, followed by a pathological examination.