Histologic mimics of malignant melanoma

Abstract

Although spongiotic (eczematous), psoriatic and cutaneous skin infections are among the most common in dermatology consultations, melanocytic lesions - including the different types of nevi and melanomas - are among those that cause a great deal of concern and stress to patients and their clinicians. A diagnosis of benign melanocytic nevus carries a very good prognosis. However, a diagnosis of melanoma might indicate more aggressive treatment, lifelong surveillance and a worse prognosis. Differentiating between these conditions is not always a straightforward process for clinicians and pathologists. Therefore, knowledge of melanoma mimickers is very important for clinicians in general, and dermatologists and pathologists in particular. In this review, we called attention to some of the more frequent benign but unusual melanocytic lesions that are of diagnostic concern for clinicians evaluating these cutaneous proliferations.

The empowerment of all modalities against cancer

“…From mild benign naevi to subungual haematomas, and the odd 'lumps and bumps', diagnosing skin cancer may prove challenging to the uninitiated. Bsirini and Smoller (6) described melanoma mimics and how a more precise and granular clinicopathologic assessment can more accurately distinguish a benign skin lesion from an aggressive, potentially fatal cancer. A missed cancer has devastating consequences and, unfortunately, can lead to possible litigation.…”

Mimics of melanoma in reflectance confocal microscopy

“…In 1989, Smith described a Spitz nevus with atypia (also named malignant Spitz nevus), a form of the benign lesion showing histopathologic features not enough for diagnosing melanoma but capable of nodal metastasis, with no other features of malignancy 4 …”

DDX39 Overexpression Predicts a Poor Prognosis and Promotes Aggressiveness of Melanoma by Cooperating With SNAIL

“…The mechanism of melanoma pathogenesis is complex, and further exploration is needed to identify more effective and specific therapeutic targets for treatment. Retrospective studies have shown that most patients with melanoma, especially those with acral melanoma, had a history of pigmented nevus for several years or even two to three decades (5). However, when rapid swollen pigmented bulges were found to have irregular edges as well as blisters and poor-healing ulcers on the surface, pathology tests revealed the presence of melanoma.…”