MedicineDermatologyOncologyCutaneous OncologyDermatopathologyTumor PathologyMelanocytic LesionsMelanocytic TumorsNeoplastic Skin LesionsNonmelanocytic Skin TumorsSkin TumorsTumor DifferentiationBenign Melanocytic LesionsBenign Melanocytic TumorsMalignant Melanocytic LesionsMalignant Melanocytic TumorsMelanocytic Tumor Differential DiagnosisMelanoma ClassificationMelanoma DiagnosisMelanoma Histopathology
Although overdiagnosis of malignant melanoma involves no potential loss of life, it affects the patient profoundly and therefore should be addressed conscientiously. This review of both benign and malignant, melanocytic and nonmelanocytic simulants of malignant melanoma emphasizes the pitfalls and repercussions of misdiagnosis. For more accurate differentiation, simulants are classified first as superficial (intraepidermal) or deep (dermal), then as melanocytic or nonmelanocytic.