Thirty tumors were analyzed using Sanger sequencing for copy number alterations throughout the genome.

BRAF mutations identified in 20%
NRAS mutations detected in 18%

The presence of NRAS or BRAF mutations in a mutually exclusive pattern occurs in 47% of conjunctival melanomas.

• Ten micrometer thick sections of DNA cut from tumor tissues
• Array-based comparative genomic hybridization used to conduct analysis of DNA CNAs
• Screen run for known oncogene mutations
• Sanger sequecing conducted to amplify BRAF exon 11 and 15 and NRAS exon 1 and 2

• 49%females, 51% males
• median age 64 years
• no metastatic tumor samples included
• 52% originated from primary acquired melanosis, 29% from nevi, 18% from novo
• 58% stage one, 25% stage two, 17% stage three

• 8 sampes hybridized with unamplified DNA
• 24 samples hybridized with whole genome amplification of DNA

Main mutations

Mutually Exclusive

Staging patients with conjunctival melanoma.

Very accurate

In general serious tumors were >2mm thick

Blue staining of epibular surface (five patients)

transient facial nerve palsy (one patient)

• Provides instructions for N-Ras protein
• Regulates cell division
• N-Ras protein converts GTP into GDP
• Mutation of gene expression (phenotypic)
• Inactive when GTP is turned into GDP but when it is bound to GDP it stops relaying signals to the cell nucleus

• Provides intsructions for protein that helps transmit chemical signals from outside of the cell to the cell's nucleus.
• A part of RAS/MAPK pathway that regulates proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis
• Mutation changes a single amino acid which disrupts RAS/MAPK signaling pathway in cells throughout the body