BRAF Gene and Melanoma
RAF (pronounced “Be-Raf”) is a gene that makes a protein called BRAF, which is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth. Everyone has this gene, but in some people, it can mutate. Mutation is a change in a structure of a gene that often leads to a change in a protein. If you have a mutation in your BRAF gene, melanoma cells will make an altered form of protein that allows them to grow out of control.
Testing for the BRAF mutation requires that DNA be taken from the primary tumor and then examined for the mutation. To ensure an adequately sized sample, additional biopsies may be necessary. Occasionally, there is not enough tumor available to complete the test. If this happens, your oncologist will discuss what happens next.