Cancer types · Other solid tumours
Melanoma & Other Skin Cancers
Melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells. In India and other Asian populations, acral melanoma (on the palms, soles or under nails) and mucosal melanoma make up a larger share of cases than in many Western countries, and their molecular profile differs.
Other skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are more common overall but usually have a more limited role for molecular testing.
Clinical and molecular questions that often arise
- Which melanoma subtype is it, and what is the stage?
- What is the BRAF status, and for acral or mucosal melanoma, were NRAS and KIT assessed?
- Does family history or multiple melanomas suggest an inherited predisposition?
- Are there trials relevant to the subtype and profile?
Information that may be part of an individual assessment
- Excision biopsy and histopathology.
- Sentinel node and staging imaging as appropriate.
- BRAF testing in advanced or high-risk disease; broader profiling where relevant.
Which investigations are appropriate is decided by the treating team for each person.
Molecular profiling and biomarker interpretation
Depending on the setting, molecular and biomarker questions in melanoma & other skin cancers may involve:
- BRAF V600 mutations
- NRAS mutations
- KIT alterations (acral and mucosal melanoma)
- NF1 alterations
- Tumour mutational burden (research context)
Biomarkers, panels and available tests vary by subtype, disease setting, assay and guideline version. A detected alteration is not automatically actionable.
How KPCIRC pathways may apply
POAS
POAS may help interpret a melanoma report, particularly in acral or mucosal subtypes where common Western-cohort assumptions may not apply.
Molecular Tumour Board
MTB discussion may help in complex stage III or IV disease, or with unusual primary sites.
Second opinion and progression review
A second opinion may help clarify staging or adjuvant questions. Progression review can organise new findings.
Hereditary risk and screening
Inherited variants in CDKN2A, CDK4 and BAP1 are associated with melanoma. Multiple primary melanomas or a strong family history may prompt risk assessment.
How to access the relevant pathway
Patients and families
- Talk to your treating oncologist about whether an additional review may help.
- Request a consultation and tell us which question you want answered.
- Share records only when asked, through the secure route.
Referring doctors
- Define the clinical question and the pathway: POAS, MTB, second opinion or progression review.
- Start a case enquiry without patient identifiers.
- Scope, fees and timing are confirmed before any review proceeds.
Questions and limitations
Is melanoma in India different?
A higher proportion of melanomas in India are acral or mucosal subtypes, which differ in their molecular features from sun-related melanoma.
Does a BRAF-negative result mean there are no options?
No. It means BRAF-targeted evidence does not apply; other questions remain for the treating team.
Does this page apply to my situation?
This page is educational. It explains common questions but cannot account for individual circumstances. Your treating clinician is best placed to interpret your reports and plan your care.
Educational content reviewed against the KPCIRC service scope. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation or a statement that a specialist or service is available for this cancer type.