Biography
Biography: Hani Sheikh Alshabab
Abstract
- One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 52 minutes). An estimated 76,380 new cases of invasive melanoma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2016. An estimated 10,130 people died of melanoma in 2016.
- Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
- The vast majority of melanomas are caused by the sun. In fact, one study found that about 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.
- Naevus number and size established as a heritable factor and a melanoma risk factor.
- Frequent & consistent chromosomal aberrations with comparative genomic hybridization.
- Deletions of chromosomes 9p (82%), 10q (63%), and 6q (28%).
- Genetic differences based on anatomic location and sun exposure. Acral melanomas have more aberrations of chromosomes 5p, 11q, 12q, and 15. Lentigo maligna melanomas show more frequent loss of 17p & 13q.
- BRAFV600E mutations are frequent in melanocytic naevi, implicating BRAFV600E as an initiating mutation during the evolution of melanoma.
- Mutations occur during the evolution of melanoma from precursor lesions, and there is an intermediate phase of progression between a naevus and a melanoma.
- Studies indicating the 18 genetic loci that confer susceptibility to melanoma.
- UV radiation could generate BRAFV600E mutations which induce a senescence-like state in melanocytes.
- Early users of cytogenetic testing technologies in cutaneous pathology are more likely to be younger, affiliated with an academic institution and fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology.