Classification of cutaneous malignant melanoma: a reassessment of histopathologic criteria for the distinction of different types.
BACKGROUND
Human cutaneous malignant melanoma currently is classified into four principle types: nodular, superficial spreading, lentigo maligna, and acral lentiginous. The criteria for the histopathologic diagnosis of these types are not applied consistently. Nevertheless, the classification has become the foundation of many clinical, histopathologic, epidemiologic, and molecular studies. The results of those studies can have validity only if the classification itself is valid. For this reason, the authors reassessed histopathologic criteria advocated for the distinction of the different types of melanoma and searched for other repeatable constellations of findings that may serve to define distinct subsets of the neoplasm.


METHODS
Nine hundred fifteen melanomas were examined with regard to 72 parameters that are considered to be important for histopathologic diagnosis. The results were analyzed statistically with special attention to findings that have been reported to be characteristic of the four principle types of melanoma.


RESULTS
The histopathologic criteria advocated for the distinction of different types of melanoma were found not to correlate with one another. A logistic regression analysis did not detect any other repeatable constellation of morphologic findings that may reflect a distinct biologic subgroup.


CONCLUSIONS
The validity of the current classification of cutaneous malignant melanoma into four principle types could not be substantiated. Malignant melanoma may present with many different forms, but these forms appear to be part of a continuous spectrum rather than examples of distinct biologic entities.
Center for Dermatopathology, Freiburg, Germany.
W
W
Weyers
M
M
Euler
C
C
Diaz-Cascajo
W B
WB
Schill
M
M
Bonczkowitz
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology