The findings of this study, such as the high frequency of BRAF V600 mutations in both LM/LMM and ALM and the heterogeneity of the mutations in the 2 genes (BRAF and NRAS), suggest that mutations are early events in the development of melanoma and that other factors may have a greater impact on the aggressiveness of cutaneous melanoma. The gene discussed is NRAS; the disease is melanoma.