BRAF, NRAS, KIT, TERT, GNAQ/GNA11 mutation profile analysis of head and neck mucosal melanomas: a study of 42 cases

Our results indicated that BRAF, NRAS, KIT, TERT and GNAQ/GNA11 gene mutations occur at low frequencies in HNMuMs, and subgroups (oral versus sinonasal) differ in their molecular profile. Low rates of aforementioned mutations and activation of oncogenes by pathways other than sun exposure support the distinctive nature of HNMuMs with regard to their cutaneous counterparts.