[Melanocytic tumour of uncertain malignant potential; practical dilemmas]

'MELTUMP' (melanocytic tumour of uncertain malignant potential) is a collective category for different melanocytic tumours in which the diagnosis 'melanoma' cannot be demonstrated, but equally cannot be excluded. Since the malignant potential of these disorders is unpredictable, there is no singular approach.

A 48-year-old woman attended a dermatology clinic for an atypical mole on the left lower leg. Her medical history included two previous melanomas. The mole was photographed and excised. Histopathological diagnostics showed atypical melanocytic proliferation; the abnormality was classified as a MELTUMP. Based on the photo of the mole, it was decided to perform a re-excision with a margin of 5 mm.

It is recommended to obtain photographic evidence for each pigmented abnormality that is suspected of being malignant. Based on this photo, a clinical suspicion of melanoma can be assessed later. Particularly for MELTUMP patients this can be useful when determining the clinical management.