Dysplastic nevi.

Dysplastic nevi have been a subject of much debate since their original description in 1978. Although some question the biological potential of dysplastic nevi themselves, several studies have shown that their presence confers substantial risk for melanoma. In addition to predisposing patients to melanoma, dysplastic nevi have been shown to harbor genetic mutations, indicating their position on a continuum between banal nevi and melanomas.

The "dysplastic" nevus.

Dysplastic nevi have become an increasing focus clinically, with evidence that they are associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma. However, there still is contention regarding the significance of dysplastic nevi. This contribution provides an overview of the history, epidemiology, genetics, clinical and histologic features, and procedures for clinical management of dysplastic nevi.

The diagnostic performance of expert dermoscopists vs a computer-vision system on small-diameter melanomas.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of dermoscopists in diagnosing small pigmented skin lesions (diameter
Design: Blinded comparison study.

Setting: Dermatologic hospital-based clinics and private practice offices.

Utility of lesion diameter in the clinical diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma.

Objective: To determine the utility of the current diameter criterion of larger than 6 mm of the ABCDE acronym for the early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma.

Design: Cohort study.

Setting: Dermatology hospital-based clinics and community practice offices.

Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma: revisiting the ABCD criteria.

Context: The incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased over the past several decades, making its early diagnosis a continuing public health priority. The ABCD (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variegation, Diameter >6 mm) acronym for the appraisal of cutaneous pigmented lesions was devised in 1985 and has been widely adopted but requires reexamination in light of recent data regarding the existence of small-diameter (< or =6 mm) melanomas.

Evidence Acquisition: Cochrane Library and PubMed searches for the period 1980-2004 were conducted using search terms ABCD and melanoma and small-diameter melanoma.

The pathology of malignant melanoma.

It is clear that much of what has been taught over the years concerning the pathology of melanoma may have little validity. Melanoma is viewed simply as a malignant neoplasm comprised initially of a proliferation of atypical melanocytes within the surface epithelium (epidermis). It has many features in common, regardless of anatomic site.