Diagnosis and Immunotherapy Strategies for Melanoma: A Review

Abstract

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Melanoma skin cancer is made up of abnormal pigment cells (melanocytes). Melanocytes are located at the bottom of the epidermis. These cells make melanin, which spreads to the top of the epidermis and gives skin its colour. Melanoma is usually brown or black in colour because the cell still makes melanin. Melanoma is more dangerous than other skin cancers because it more likely to spread if it is not found early. However, most melanomas about 84 out of 100 are found early before they have spread and so are likely to be cured with treatments. Melanoma can occur on any skin surface. In men, it’s often found on the skin on the head, on the neck, or between the shoulders and the hips. In women, it’s often found on the skin on the lower legs or between the shoulders and the hips. Melanoma is rare in people with dark skin. When it does develop in people with dark skin, it’s usually found under the fingernails, under the toenails, on the palms of the hands, or on the soles of the feet. Although one of the less common types of skin cancer, melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body, especially if not detected early. The earlier melanoma is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. Despite the many investigations in this field and a rapidly growing knowledge base, classification according to specific mutational profiles is not yet validated. Further investigations are required for validation and refinement, and to possibly identify additional factors.