[Melanocytic nevi in focus : Clinical interpretation, histopathological criteria, and practice-oriented management]

Melanocytic nevi display numerous clinical and histopathologic variants that may create diagnostic uncertainty. Forms such as halo nevi, Meyerson nevi, Spitz nevi, recurrent nevi, blue nevi, special-site nevi, and hormonally influenced nevi may exhibit features suggestive of malignancy, yet none of these characteristics alone imply malignancy. Histopathologic findings such as asymmetry, pagetoid spread, cytologic atypia, or dermal mitoses therefore require interpretation within the clinicopathologic context. A complete excision in toto is of particular importance, as superficial shave biopsies may alter or destroy characteristic architectural patterns and increase the risk of misinterpretation. In addition to classic nevus subtypes, diagnostic borderline lesions (e.g., SAMPUS [superficial atypical melanocytic proliferation of uncertain significance]; MELTUMP [melanocytic tumor of uncertain malignant potential]; MANIAC [melanocytic acral nevus with intraepidermal ascent of cells]) are discussed. The updated World Health Organization classification has introduced the category of melanocytoma, encompassing tumors with intermediate biological potential that may be more clearly delineated through molecular diagnostics. This article provides practical insight into the relevance of clinical information, key histopathologic criteria, and ancillary immunohistochemical and molecular studies as the foundation for diagnostic accuracy and structured management at the interface of dermatology and dermatopathology.