When it comes to dangerous, deadly skin melanoma cancers, we need every weapon we can get. Now a new test, a simple, noninvasive procedure that uses adhesive tape to painlessly gather cells from a skin lesion that looks suspicious can accurately identify melanoma in all stages, from early to advanced.
Today melanoma is often identified by visual exam followed by biopsy, an uncomfortable, somewhat painful procedure that collects cells that are then sent to a pathologist for examination.
A new study reports on the new testing method used for a year at 18 different sites in the United States, finding that it was able to identify melanomas with a 100% test rate and a 12% false positive rate.
That's better than anything in use today. Interestingly, there are studies that suggest 40 biopsies are done for each melanoma detected, and this is important to remember. It is thought that this new test will give dermatologists a tool to assess patients before a biopsy, and with the low false positive rate, should reduce the number of more invasive procedures that need to be performed.
The experimental tape used in the study is able to harvest cells from the skin surface, and was developed by a biotech company, which was also the source of funding for the research.
The test uses a patented technology to collect samples from a worrisome skin lesion. During the research, the samples were sent to the lab for analysis; earlier studies had already identified genes specific to melanomas. The latest analysis looked at 17 of these.
According to the researchers, the 17-gene biomarker is able to tell the difference between early and very invasive disease.
The researchers are trying to make this melanoma tape test more affordable, and there'll be lots more testing before they seek approval by the FDA. They hope (if all goes to plan) the test will be available to doctors in around two years. Then it will be up to dermatologists to embrace the new procedure.
The new test might be particulary appealing to those who don't want a biopsy scar on their face or on other visible body parts like arms or legs, or for times when a biopsy would cause undue pain.
Experts tell us that melanoma incidence has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. The increases in America are especially dramatic in specific populations - young women and older gentlemen. The National Cancer Institute has numbers that put the invasive melanoma rates up by just about 4% a year for women 15 to 34 years old since 1995. For men over 65, the rates have shot up by nearly 9% a year.
When it comes to melanoma, or any skin cancer, your best bet is to keep in mind the ABCD system
- Asymmetry (one half different from the other),
- Borders (irregular edges),
- Color (changes from one part to another) and
- Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser).
If you catch skin melanoma cancers early, they are very treatable. This form of cancer is far more dangerous (deadly) once the cancer cells have the chance to spread into the body beyond the skin. Which is why new testing methods that are easy, noninvasive and accurate will always be a welcome addition.
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