Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
The dermal-based borderline melanocytic tumor: a categorical approach
Cynthia M Magro1, A Neil Crowson, Martin C Mihm
1Department of Pathology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave, F-309, New York, NY 10021, USA. cym2003@med.cornell.edu
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Borderline melanocytic tumors (BMTs) in the dermis can affect younger individuals and may spread to lymph nodes. Inadequate treatment can lead to progression, highlighting the need for careful management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Surgical Oncology
- Melanoma Research
Background:
- Borderline melanocytic tumors (BMTs) present indeterminate features between nevi and melanoma.
- Diagnostic criteria for BMTs are not well-established, leading to recognition challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a practical framework for managing dermal BMTs.
- To categorize BMTs and assess their clinical behavior.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with dermal BMTs treated with excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy (2000-2006).
- Classification of BMTs into four categories: nevoid BMT (BNM), atypical Spitz tumor (AST), pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM), and BMT arising in a deep penetrating nevus (B-DPN).
Main Results:
- Patient demographics varied across the four BMT categories.
- Sentinel lymph node positivity rates ranged from 14% (PEM) to 57% (B-DPN).
- One patient with a BMT arising in a deep penetrating nevus (B-DPN) experienced disease-related death due to metastatic melanoma after initial misinterpretation.
Conclusions:
- Dermal BMTs predominantly affect young adults and children.
- These tumors can involve lymph nodes and exhibit potential for progression if not adequately treated.
- Further molecular studies are needed to understand the biologic link to melanoma.
