Histopathology-guided mass spectrometry differentiates benign nevi from malignant melanoma.

Purpose: Distinguishing benign nevi from malignant melanoma using current histopathological criteria may be very challenging and is one the most difficult areas in dermatopathology. The goal of this study was to identify proteomic differences, which would more reliably differentiate between benign and malignant melanocytic lesions.

Methods: We performed histolpathology - guided mass spectrometry (HGMS) profiling analysis on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue samples to identify differences at the proteomic level between different types of benign nevi and melanomas.

Clinical characteristics associated with Spitz nevi and Spitzoid malignant melanomas: the Yale University Spitzoid Neoplasm Repository experience, 1991 to 2008.

Background: Spitz nevi and Spitzoid malignant melanomas are uncommon and may be difficult to distinguish histopathologically. Identification of clinical features associated with these lesions may aid in diagnosis.

Objective: We sought to identify clinical characteristics associated with Spitz nevi and Spitzoid malignant melanomas.