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Criteria for the Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma

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Histological Diagnosis of Nevi and Melanoma

Abstract

The diagnosis of nevi and melanomas is currently achieved through the recognition of particular histological details (the so called criteria) that, when taken together, should allow us to reach the correct diagnosis. Unfortunately, this procedure is not so simple because many criteria are of low specificity and sensitivity. Criteria are evaluated differently by different observers. They are derived from typical, not difficult cases, and are seldom tested. In sum, none of the criteria useful for the diagnosis of melanomas are specific and diagnostic and they are all subject to contrasting interpretations by different observers (or even by the same observer, when in a different mood...). Conflicting criteria can be present in the same lesion. The final diagnosis can depend on which criteria we consider significant and on which we decide to ignore.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Catholic University Medical School, Largo F. Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy

    Prof. Guido Massi M.D. (Professor of Pathology and Dermatopathology)

  2. University of California, 1701 Divisadero St, Room 350, CA, 94115, San Francisco, USA

    Philip E. Leboit M.D. (Professor of Dermatopathology)

Authors
  1. Prof. Guido Massi M.D.
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  2. Philip E. Leboit M.D.
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© 2004 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Massi, G., Leboit, P.E. (2004). Criteria for the Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma. In: Histological Diagnosis of Nevi and Melanoma. Steinkopff, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7985-1943-5_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7985-1943-5_25

  • Publisher Name: Steinkopff, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-62222-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-7985-1943-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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