Nodular melanoma accounts for around 14% of invasive melanoma cases, but this aggressive subtype is the largest contributor to melanoma deaths.

New research sheds light on gene variants which may contribute to higher risk for nodular melanoma.

Nodular melanoma accounts for around 14% of invasive melanoma cases, but the aggressive subtype is the largest contributor to melanoma deaths. “Nodular melanoma is often detected later because of its rapid growth rate and short window of opportunity for detection and diagnosis,” says Mitchell Stark, PhD,  a molecular biologist at the Frazer Institute of The University of Queensland in Australia.  “Up to 27% of nodular melanoma cases appear as a skin-colored tumour, as opposed to other more pigmented melanomas, adding an additional challenge to early diagnosis.”

The study analyzed 500 genes already associated with melanoma and cancer risk. Stark and colleagues identified 39 genes that had the greatest frequency of DNA variants in nodular melanoma compared to other melanoma subtypes.  Of these, four genes with rare DNA variants had the greatest frequency in nodular melanoma patients.

“Genetic testing can help us identify who might be at greater risk of developing nodular melanoma,” says Associate Professor Victoria Mar, Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. “Once we know someone has these gene variants, it’s then possible to offer education and more appropriate screening to hopefully catch it earlier and improve patient outcomes.”

The research is published in the British Journal of Dermatology.