Histopathological spectrum of Pigmented Melanocytic Lesions
Keywords:
Pigmented melanocytic lesions, melanocytic nevi, malignant melanoma, histopathology, skin tumorsAbstract
Background: Pigmented lesions are of a major concern with great psychological impact on quality of life. According to WHO, the
number of melanoma cases worldwide is increasing faster than any other cancer. Pigmented melanocytic lesions encompass a wide
spectrum of benign and malignant entities with overlapping clinical and histopathological features. Accurate histopathological evaluation
remains the gold standard for diagnosis and plays a crucial role in prognostication and therapeutic decision-making.
Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care centre in Maharashtra. All the melanocytic lesions
were included in the study.Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.
Results: A total of 61 cases of pigmented melanocytic lesions were analyzed. Benign melanocytic nevi constituted the majority of
cases, followed by malignant melanoma. The lesions were distributed in the age ranging from 14 - 80 yrs. Male predominance in
seen in cases of melanoma. The most frequently involved anatomical sites were extremities. Malignant melanoma cases demonstrated
characteristic features such as asymmetry, increased mitotic activity, and cytological atypia.
Conclusion: Benign melanocytic nevi are the most common pigmented melanocytic lesions encountered in routine histopathology
practice. Histopathological examination remains indispensable for accurate diagnosis and differentiation between benign and malignant
lesions, thereby guiding appropriate clinical management.
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