Molecular Diagnostics for Ambiguous Melanocytic Tumors

Certain subsets of melanocytic neoplasms are difficult to classify because of conflicting histologic
features and the existence of a poorly defined intermediate grade of melanocytic tumors. The
integration of molecular diagnostic information with a histologic impression may contribute significantly
toward improving classification. This review discusses the development of and advances in
molecular techniques, including comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization
(FISH) as diagnostic and prognostic tools for melanocytic neoplasms. Further, we
discuss how specific molecular aberrations identified via FISH correlate with certain morphologies
in melanocytic neoplasms. We also examine the prognostic value of FISH in intermediate-grade
melanocytic tumors, particularly atypical Spitz tumors.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:274-278 © 2012 Frontline Medical Communications

Certain subsets of melanocytic neoplasms are difficult to classify because of conflicting histologic
features and the existence of a poorly defined intermediate grade of melanocytic tumors. The
integration of molecular diagnostic information with a histologic impression may contribute significantly
toward improving classification. This review discusses the development of and advances in
molecular techniques, including comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization
(FISH) as diagnostic and prognostic tools for melanocytic neoplasms. Further, we
discuss how specific molecular aberrations identified via FISH correlate with certain morphologies
in melanocytic neoplasms. We also examine the prognostic value of FISH in intermediate-grade
melanocytic tumors, particularly atypical Spitz tumors.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:274-278 © 2012 Frontline Medical Communications

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