Pathologic analysis of melanocytic neoplasms

Recent advances in techniques for pathologic evaluation of melanocytic neoplasms, updates in staging, and novel treatment and prognostic assays have brought pathologists to the forefront of the care of the melanoma patient. Specimen procurement, handling, and evaluation are all key to the production of a pathology report that guides the clinician to the proper treatment of the patient. Recent, relevant changes in the pathologic analysis of melanocytic neoplasms, highlighting the AJCC 8th edition guidelines, and pathologic changes related to therapy are discussed herein. Also included is a discussion of molecular assays used to aid in diagnosis of challenging lesions, predict clinical outcome, and predict response to targeted therapy.