The Histologic Diagnosis of Primary Benign and Malignant Cutaneous Melanocytic Lesions

Abstract

The diagnosis of benign and malignant primary melanocytic lesions is primarily based on histologic features. An updated review is given of the primary benign and malignant cutaneous melanocytic lesions with their numerous common and uncommon variants. Guidelines are presented how to differentiate benign melanocytic nevi from malignant melanomas on a histologic basis. The histologic criteria of atypical (dysplastic) nevi are also presented. (The J Histotechnol 26:227, 2003)