Malignant melanoma, dysplastic melanocytic nevi, and Spitz tumors - Histologic classification and characteristics

The classification and pertinent histopathologic features of cutaneous mela noma, dysplastic melanocytic nevi, and Spitz tumors are presented. A discus sion on melanoma emphasizes an objective approach to classification based o n histomorphologic features including location in the skin, disposition and frequency of melanocytes, other specific morphologic features, and cell ty pe. Other topics addressed include common and unusual variants of melanoma, the use of immunohistochemistry, and the histopathologic reporting of mela noma.