Proliferações Melanocíticas de Potencial Maligno Incerto: Um Estudo Retrospetivo de 23 Doentes

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnostic uncertainty is an inseparable component of medical practice. The dichotomous classification of melanocytic lesions as benign or malignant has been replaced in recent years by a more flexible approach in which diagnostic uncertainty is recognized and accepted.

Methods: In order to characterize the population of melanocytic proliferations of uncertain malignant potential diagnosed at our center between 2007 and 2017, histopathological reports of melanocytic lesions classified, in this period, as either dysplastic or malignant were analyzed.

Results: Twenty-three lesions (4.3%) with borderline histopathological features or uncertain malignant potential were identified. The mean patient age was 34.8 years. Sixteen lesions (69.6%) were observed by a second pathologist. The most frequently performed treatment was wide excision. A sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed on 2 patients, both being negative. The median follow-up time was 22 months, and there was no recurrence of any treated lesion.

Discussion: The controversy of the subject extends from the nature and classification of these lesions to their treatment. In this work we perform a statistical review of the population of melanocytic proliferations of uncertain malignant potential diagnosed in our department.