[Overtreatment of premalignant and malignant skin lesions.]

The incidence of malignant and premalignant skin lesions has been increasing in recent decades. It concerns a spectrum of lesions, from relatively benign to highly malignant disease. The nomenclature does not always do justice to the biological character of the specific condition. We have to pay attention to avoid unnecessary diagnostics, overtreatment of conditions with little chance of progression of disease, and unnecessary follow-up. Besides better understanding about the biology of the various premalignant and malignant skin lesions, renaming of some of the conditions can be of help. The concept of applying the term 'indolent lesion of epithelial origin' for this purpose may be beneficial.