[Deciphering the "ugly duckling", but escaping the "telly belly". Exploratory algorithm of the diagnostic cutting edge of melanoma]

In a manichean ideal, one expects unreservedly a clear-cut distinction between benign melanocytic neoplasms and the malignant ones. Such a distinction is commonly established by a clinico-pathologic confrontation for the majority of neoplasms. However, the boundaries may be blurred and uncertain for some lesions. We present an exploratory clinicopathologic algorithm of the border area between seemingly benign and seemingly malignant melanocytic neoplasms. The concept of a group of neoplasms called skin melanocytomas shed some light on such quandaries where the risk of misdiagnosis is quite high.