title: Theory and practical application of superficial atypical melanocytic proliferations of uncertain significance (SAMPUS) and melanocytic tumours of uncertain malignant potential (MELTUMP) terminology: experience with second opinion consultation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The term superficial atypical melanocytic proliferations of uncertain significance (SAMPUS) is used to resolve discordance in diagnosis of "thin" melanocytic lesions. Melanocytic tumours of uncertain malignant potential (MELTUMP) is the descriptive term for an ill-defined group of dermal melanocytic tumours that exhibit features indicative of possible malignancy. We report our experience of collaboration with two leading international consultant pathologists in the diagnosis of melanoma in order to facilitate the practical application of the term SAMPUS and MELTUMP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven cases of melanocytic lesions with interpretative problems were sent for consultation to Expert #1 (15 cases) and Expert #2 (12 cases).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two cases of MELTUMP and two cases of SAMPUS were diagnosed by Expert #1; three cases of MELTUMP and two cases of SAMPUS were diagnosed by Expert #2. Diagnosis was performed with H&E and molecular studies were not performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both experts included MELTUMP or SAMPUS atypical, ambiguous melanocytic lesions and melanomas. The diagnosis of SAMPUS and MELTUMP by consultant pathologists reflects the difficulty of classification with accuracy lesions that showed histological features of various atypical tumours or malignant melanoma. In these cases, biological potential may be established with molecular studies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Anatomic Pathology, Rovereto Hospital, Italy. teresa.pusiol@apss.tn.it
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pusiol
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morichetti
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Piscioli
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Zorzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D055815:Young Adult