Melanocytic neoplasms are of capital importance for all surgical pathologists and dermatopathologists. These tumors span a huge range of morphologic expression and biologic behavior, are potentially of the highest medical significance and are often fraught with diagnostic pitfalls and high litigation risk.

Pathology of Challenging Melanocytic Neoplasms offers a dynamic text where readers will encounter a broad spectrum of challenging melanocytic lesions, both benign and malignant and will thereby acquire a solid, working knowledge that they can immediately apply to daily diagnosis. The authors aim to clarify this often thorny field, keeping a steady focus on patient-related issues. The volume emphasizes the practical application of basic morphologic principles, immunohistochemistry and molecular methods in order to secure a confident diagnosis. Abundant illustrations display the characteristic features of the most important disease entities.

Rather than being yet another encyclopedic work of reference, this volume takes a fresh approach as it resembles a series of stimulating seminars employing exemplary case material to highlight, illustrate, and succinctly discuss the key points. To this end, the reader will be guided through a series of paired cases that pose a significant diagnostic challenge. By comprehensively comparing and contrasting two related entities, each such chapter will illuminate an intellectual pathway through which an important diagnostic puzzle can be solved. To broaden the differential diagnosis even further, additional illustrative cases are added to each discussion. Algorithms and tables summarize key points. Clinically relevant, up-to-date references will be provided to guide further study. Written by experts in the field, this novel text will be of great value to surgical pathologists in practice and dermatologists as well as residents and fellows training in these specialties.

Part I: Introductory Chapters.- Chapter 1. Gross Prosection of Melanocytic Lesions.- Chapter 2. Histopathologic Staging and Reporting of Melanocytic Lesions.- Chapter 3. Clinicopathologic Correlation in Melanocytic Lesions.- Chapter 4. Anathema or Useful? Application of Immunohistochemistry to the Diagnosis of Melanocytic Lesions.- Chapter 5. Applications of Additional Techniques to Melanocytic Pathology.- Part 2: Diagnostic Challenges.- Chapter 6. Spitz Nevus versus Spitzoid Melanoma.- Chapter 7. Halo Nevus versus Melanoma with Regression.- Chapter 8. Nevoid Malignant Melanoma versus Melanocytic Nevus.- Chapter 9. Dysplastic Nevi versus Melanoma.- Chapter 10. Blue Nevus versus Pigmented Epithelioid Melanocytoma.- Chapter 11. Recurrent Melanocytic Nevus versus Melanoma.- Chapter 12. Neurothekeoma versus Melanoma.- Chapter 13. Melanoma in situ versus Paget’s Disease.- Chapter 14. Desmoplastic Nevus versus Desmoplastic Melanoma.- Chapter 15. Cutaneous Metastatic Melanoma versus Primary Cutaneous Melanoma.- Chapter 16. Acral Nevus versus Acral Melanoma.- Chapter 17. Capsular (Nodal) Nevus versus Metastatic Melanoma.- Index.