EDUCATIONAL SECTION - Cutaneous melanocytic naevus versus melanoma: pitfalls, surprises, dilemmas

Persistent melanocytic nevi: a review and analysis of 205 cases

“…However, it must be noted that the true time to recurrence is difficult to determine with precision, as many factors influence when (and whether) a patient will bring a persistent melanocytic nevus to clinical attention. Interestingly, some locally persistent melanomas require longer time intervals to present in comparison with persistent melanocytic nevi 8 . Karakousis et al reported a 3.8% local recurrence rate of melanoma at 92 months of follow‐up 12 .…”

“…The proliferation marker Ki‐67 has also been proposed as potentially useful in differentiating melanocytic nevi from melanoma, but its use has not been widely adopted 6,7 . Ultimately, careful light microscopy and a clear clinical history are essential for accurate diagnosis, and comparison of the persistent melanocytic nevus to its original counterpart is often crucial 8 …”

“…6,7 Ultimately, careful light microscopy and a clear clinical history are essential for accurate diagnosis, and comparison of the persistent melanocytic nevus to its original counterpart is often crucial. 8 Melanocytic nevi are frequently sampled by shave biopsy. Incomplete removal is quite common and is inherent to the procedure.…”

Integrating clinical/dermatoscopic findings and fluorescence in situ hybridization in diagnosing melanocytic neoplasms with less than definitive histopathologic features

“…However, it is well recognized that there are a number of diagnostic scenarios that frequently pose a dilemma. 2,8,12,14,15 Among these challenging scenarios are dysplastic nevi versus early melanoma and Spitz nevus versus Spitzoid melanoma. 16,17 The importance of preoperative dermatoscopic evaluation and digital dermatoscopy and/or photography follow-up is underscored.…”

Postexcisional melanocytic regrowth extending beyond the initial scar: a novel clinical sign of melanoma

“…In this context, the recurrent naevus has become widely recognized as a clinical and histopathological imitator of melanoma. [1][2][3] Macroscopically, the pigmentation associated with the benign regrowth is confined within the scar. 4,5 However, regrowth of a melanocytic lesion that extends beyond the boundary of the original scar has recently been associated with melanoma.…”