Abstract
Differentiation of a melanocytic nevus and melanoma is often a dilemma clinically as well as histologically. This dilemma involves inexperienced as well as knowledgeable pathologists. The provoking question turns out to be: why is this differential diagnosis often a quandary? The answer lies in the fact that there are overlapping cytological and architectural criteria used interchangeably for a melanoma and melanocytic nevus. The criteria emphasized often vary from institution to institution and pathologist to pathologist. Regrettably, similar criteria attributed to both benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations, melanocytic nevus and melanoma, are used interchangeably: thus the quandary.
Highlights
Differentiation of a melanocytic nevus and melanoma is often a dilemma clinically as well as histologically
Atypical or typical pagetoid cell: a subtle clue to differentiate a melanoma from a melanocytic nevus
Melanocytic nevi are hamartomas composed of melanocytes with relatively monomorphic basophilic nuclei with paltry, clefted cytoplasm in nests, fascicles, columns, cords, and aggregates, as well as solitary units that may involve the epidermis, dermis, and structures of adnexa
Summary
Differentiation of a melanocytic nevus and melanoma is often a dilemma clinically as well as histologically. Atypical or typical pagetoid cell: a subtle clue to differentiate a melanoma from a melanocytic nevus. Melanocytes in the skin situated at the dermoepidermal junction are relatively monomorphic, with clefting of their small dark nuclei from their paltry cytoplasms [1].
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