New studies aim to improve melanoma diagnosis

Source: Medical Express, March 2019

A pair of studies led by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers could aid in improved diagnosis for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The studies, led by UNC Lineberger’s Nancy Thomas, MD, Ph.D., Irene & Robert Alan Briggaman Distinguished Professor and Chair in the UNC School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, and UNC Lineberger’s Kathleen Conway Dorsey, Ph.D., associate professor in the UNC Gillings School of Public Health and UNC School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, are needed as early detection of cutaneous melanoma is critical

“For a certain percentage of melanomas, there is some diagnostic uncertainty," Thomas said. “If we could classify more growths as melanoma or as non-cancerous, this has direct implications for therapy, and could help us prevent under and over diagnosis."