DNA ploidy and nuclear morphometry for the classification of dysplastic nevi.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the diagnostic value of DNA ploidy and nuclear morphometric features in sporadic dysplastic nevi as compared to those in compound nevi and melanoma.


METHODS
DNA ploidy profiles plus seven direct and three derived nuclear features were obtained in a series of 120 melanocytic skin neoplasms (30 dysplastic nevi [DN], 30 melanomas [MM], 60 compound nevi [CN]) and the results compared.


RESULTS
DNA ploidy separated melanomas from benign melanocytic skin neoplasms with 96.5% accuracy in classifying the grouped cases. The derived nuclear shape factor Form PE and nuclear axis ratio were the most successful discriminants separating DN from MM but allowed only 73.3% correct classification of cases. Separation of DN from CN was best achieved using Form PE and mean nuclear area (74.4% correctly classified). Results from compound nevi in subjects < 25 years of age fell between those for DN and MM.


CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative nuclear cytologic characteristics in sporadic dysplastic nevi span a range seen in common nevi through to those in thin melanomas. Cytologic changes in sporadic dysplastic nevi overlap those seen in other melanocytic skin neoplasms. Therefore, other reproducible morphometric features need to be assessed in order to further refine the histopathologic diagnosis of this entity.
Williams
R A
RA
Department of Anatomical Pathology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Baak
J P
JP
Meijer
G A
GA
Charlton
I G
IG
D000328:Adult; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D004416:Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D019044:Image Cytometry; D007620:Karyometry; D008545:Melanoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D018330:Nevus, Intradermal / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D011003:Ploidies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm