Molecular testing for melanocytic tumors: a practical update

The work-up of melanocytic tumors has undergone significant changes in the last years following the exponential growth of molecular assays. For the practicing pathologist it is often difficult to sort through the myriad of different tests available currently for clinical use. The molecular tests used in melanocytic pathology can be broadly divided into 4 categories: (i) Tests useful in the differential diagnosis of nevus versus melanoma (primarily used as an aid in the diagnosis of histologically ambiguous melanocytic tumors), (ii) Tests that predict prognosis in melanoma, (iii) Tests useful in the classification of melanocytic tumors and (iv) Tests that predict response to systemic therapy in melanoma. This review will present an updated overview of major ancillary tests used in clinical practice.

Automated summary

The work-up of melanocytic tumors has evolved significantly in recent years due to the rapid development of molecular assays. This article provides an updated overview of the major ancillary tests used in clinical practice, which can help pathologists in the diagnosis and classification of melanocytic tumors, as well as in predicting prognosis and response to systemic therapy in melanoma.