IHC - diagnostic panel; Melanoma panel - S100, HMB45, MELAN A

The panel is important for diagnosing melanoma accurately. Identifying the type of cells involved helps in determining the appropriate course of treatment.

No, fasting is not required for this test.

Your doctor may advise you to undergo this test if you have a mole or skin lesion that is suspected to be melanoma, especially if it has changed in appearance or size recently.

The test helps to confirm if the suspicious cells are melanoma cells and can provide information on the type and stage of the melanoma, which are critical for treatment planning.

This test is typically performed when there is a clinical suspicion of melanoma. It is not done on a regular basis.

In normal skin cells, these markers are not expressed or are expressed at very low levels. In melanoma, these markers are typically elevated.

There are no specific precautions required for this test.

The presence of melanoma cells in the tissue sample is the primary factor affecting the levels of these markers.

Non-modifiable factors include genetics and skin type. Modifiable factors include sun exposure and the use of tanning beds.

If the test results are abnormal, you should consult a dermatologist or oncologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of melanoma.

Yes, the expression levels and patterns of these markers can help distinguish between different types of melanoma.

The test itself does not have risks or side effects, but the biopsy procedure to obtain the tissue sample can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection.

While this test is mainly used for diagnosis, changes in the expression levels of these markers after treatment can provide some indication of the treatment's effectiveness.

The levels of these markers can provide some information on the prognosis, but other factors like the stage of the disease, location of the tumor, and patient's overall health also play a significant role.

While the IHC Melanoma Panel is a powerful tool for detecting melanoma, no test is perfect. False positives and negatives can occur. A false positive, where the test indicates melanoma when it isn't present, might lead to unnecessary treatment. A false negative, on the other hand, could delay diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it's critical to interpret the results in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic methods.

Increased levels of S100, HMB45, and MELAN A typically suggest the presence of melanoma cells. However, the diagnosis needs to be confirmed with additional tests and pathological examination. If confirmed, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment options based on the type and stage of melanoma.

The IHC Melanoma Panel is primarily used to identify melanoma cells, but it cannot reliably differentiate between primary and metastatic melanoma. Additional tests, such as imaging studies and clinical evaluation, are needed to determine if the melanoma has spread.

Yes, the test can provide valuable information about the subtype of melanoma, based on the specific pattern of marker expression. However, the final subtyping is usually done in conjunction with a detailed microscopic examination of the cells and consideration of clinical information.

No specific preparation is needed for this test. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking, as certain drugs might affect the test results.

By accurately identifying and characterizing melanoma, the IHC Melanoma Panel allows for personalized treatment strategies that can greatly improve patient outcomes. Always remember that early detection is vital when it comes to cancer. Regular skin checks, both self-examinations and professional screenings, play an essential role in catching melanoma in its earliest, most treatable stages. If you have any concerns about your skin health or notice any changes in your skin, seek medical attention promptly.