Ancient melanocytic nevus: a simulator of malignant melanoma

Am J Dermatopathol. 2011 Apr;33(2):127-30. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0b013e31817f7b58.

Abstract

Ancient melanocytic nevus (AN) is an unusual but distinctive melanocytic neoplasm within the spectrum of simulators of malignant melanoma. This report describes 13 patients with AN where a long follow-up information was available. Histopathology is characterized by 2 populations of melanocytes, namely, one with large pleomorphic cells and the other with small melanocytes. A few mitotic figures may be present exceptionally. MIB-1 (Ki67) proliferation marker reveals an overall low nuclear labeling index. Additional important findings are stromal degenerative changes. AN must be especially differentiated from dermal melanoma arising in a nevus.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ki-67 Antigen / analysis
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Ki-67 Antigen