Today melanoma is often identified by visual exam followed by biopsy, an uncomfortable, somewhat painful procedure that collects cells that are then sent to a pathologist for examination.

A study in the British Journal of Dermatology reports on the new testing method used for a year at 18 sites across the United States, finding that it was able to identify melanomas 100% of the time with a 12% false positive rate.

That’s better than anything in use today. Interestingly, there are studies that suggest 40 biopsies are done for every melanoma detected, and this is important to remember according to dermatologist Mitchell Kline from the New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical School. He believes this new test will give dermatologists a tool to assess patients before a biopsy, and with the low false positive rate, should reduce the number of more invasive procedures that need to be performed.

The experimental tape used in the study is able to harvest cells from the skin surface, and was developed by DermTech International, a La Jolla California based biotech company, also the source of funding for the research.

The test uses a patented technology called Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval to collect RNA from a worrisome skin lesion. During the research, samples of RNA were sent to the lab for genetic analysis; earlier studies had already identified genes that are specific to melanomas. The latest analysis included 17 of these.

According to lead author William Wachsman, MD, PhD, the 17-gene biomarker is able to tell the difference between early and very invasive disease. Wachsman is both an associate professor of medicine and a staff physician and also serves on the scientific advisory board of the creators of the new test.

The DermTech researchers are trying to make this melanoma tape test more affordable, and there’ll be lots more testing before they seek approval by the FDA. They hope (if all goes well) the test will be in the hands of doctors in about two years. Then it will be up to dermatologists to embrace the new procedure.

The new test might be especially appealing to those who don’t want a biopsy scar on their face or another visible part of the body, or for times when a biopsy would cause undue pain.

Experts tell us that melanoma incidence has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In the U.S., the increases are especially dramatic in specific populations – young women and older men. The National Cancer Institute has numbers that put the invasive melanoma rates up by just about 4% a year for women 15 to 34 years old since 1995. For men over 65, the rates have increased by almost 9% a year.

When it comes to melanoma, or any skin cancer, your best bet is to keep in mind the ABCD system
- Asymmetry (one half different from the other),
- Borders (irregular edges),
- Color (changes from one part to another) and
- Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser).

If you catch a melanoma early, it is very treatable. This form of cancer is far more dangerous (deadly) once the cancer cells have the chance to spread beyond the skin. Which is why new testing methods that are easy, noninvasive and accurate will always be a welcome addition.

Courtesy of Kirsten Whittaker
Daily Health Bulletin Editor

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As part of a routine physical  your doctor should make the skin cancer detection  by examining your skin for any abnormal growths or discolorations.  You should also be checking your own skin at least once a month.  Checking your skin for skin cancer is quick, easy, and painless.

Start by finding a well lit room with a full length mirror.  If there are areas that you have a hard time seeing during your self exam you can use a hand held mirror.  The first time you do your self exam you will be taking the time to get to know all of your skin’s anomalies. Careful examination will give you a base for checking for changes in those blemishes and discolorations on your skin in future self exams.  For now check anything that you have not noticed before.

Start with your face and carefully work your way down the length of your body.  You may need help for parts of your body that are hard to reach.  Ask your spouse or trusted friend with help for your upper thighs and lower back.  You can use a mirror to help you if you have no such assistance available.

Pay particular attention to those areas that receive a lot of exposure to the sun.  You are looking for changes in the shape and size of any mole or discoloration in your skin.  You can get detailed descriptions of the different types of skin cancers.

Early detection is the key to successfully treating skin cancer.  By making sure you are familiar with the regular appearance of your skin, you can take note of the appearance of any moles or other features of your skin.  If you notice anything suspicious, show it to your doctor immediately.  It might be harmless, but the only way to be certain is to have your doctor check it.

If you are fair skinned you will have to be extra careful with your skin.  Make sure that you keep it covered when you are in the sun and always wear sunscreen on your exposed areas.  Make use of hats and keep the sun off of your face.  Good prevention and skin cancer detection are your best weapons.

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