Molecular genetics of melanocytic neoplasia: practical applications for diagnosis

Abstract

Pathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of skin cancer. However, despite morphological criteria that have been constantly refined, there remain areas in which histopathological analysis does not permit an unequivocal diagnosis. Among these, problems most frequently arise with melanocytic lesions. This article reviews recent molecular studies that have revealed differences in the pattern of chromosomal aberrations between naevi and melanoma that could become relevant as adjunctive diagnostic methods in the future.