Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to assay tissue samples. Methods of analyzing a tissue sample may generally comprise generating sample ions directly from the tissue sample using a MALDI ionization source, receiving the ions into a mass spectrometer, identifying at least one esophageal tumor related compound in the sample from results from the mass spectrometer, comparing the at least one identified esophageal tumor related compound in the sample to one or more known esophageal tumor profiles, and identifying at least one condition related to the sample from the comparison of the at least one identified esophageal tumor related compound to the one or more known esophageal tumor profiles. The mass spectrometer may be a quadrupole mass spectrometer, a time of flight mass spectrometer, an Orbitrap mass spectrometer, or an ion trap mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method of differentiating benign melanocytic nevi from malignant melanomas is disclosed. The method generally includes treating and subjecting a skin lesion sample from a patient to mass spectrometry to obtain a mass spectrometry proteomic profile. This profile is compared to mass spectrometry proteomic profiles of reference samples, which include benign melanocytic nevi and/or malignant melanomas. Classification of the skin lesion sample as a benign melanocytic nevus or a malignant melanoma is based on similarities and/or difference between the mass spectrometry proteomic profiles.

Abstract: A method of differentiating benign melanocytic nevi from malignant melanomas is disclosed. The method generally includes subjecting a skin lesion sample from a patient to mass spectrometry to obtain a mass spectrometry protein profile. This profile is compared to mass spectrometry protein profiles of reference samples, which include known normal, benign melanocytic nevi, and/or malignant melanomas. Classification of the skin lesion sample as a benign melanocytic nevus or a malignant melanoma is based on similarities and difference between the mass spectrometry protein profiles.