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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Cancers

Molecular Diagnosis of Melanocytic Neoplasia: Updates and Challenges

  • Jaclyn M. Plotzke1
  • Grace Wang1
  • Scott C. Bresler1,2,3
  • Paul W. Harms1,2,3
  1. 1Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
  2. 2Department of Dermatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
  3. 3Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Abstract

Distinction of melanoma from less aggressive melanocytic neoplasms is essential to avoid over- or undertreatment. Melanocytic neoplasms can harbor a broad spectrum of molecular drivers, including mutations, amplifications, and fusions, associated with an array of morphologies and biologic behavior. This molecular complexity creates challenges for classification and diagnosis of malignancy. Here, we review current knowledge to present a molecular framework for classifying melanocytic neoplasia and describe current molecular testing modalities useful for informing accurate diagnosis in challenging cases.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{plotzke2026molecular,
  title = {{Molecular Diagnosis of Melanocytic Neoplasia: Updates and Challenges}},
  author = {Jaclyn M. Plotzke and Grace Wang and Scott C. Bresler and Paul W. Harms},
  journal = {Cancers},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3390/cancers18203330},
  url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/18/20/3330},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Molecular Diagnosis of Melanocytic Neoplasia: Updates and Challenges
AU  - Jaclyn M. Plotzke
AU  - Grace Wang
AU  - Scott C. Bresler
AU  - Paul W. Harms
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/01
JO  - Cancers
DO  - 10.3390/cancers18203330
UR  - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/18/20/3330
AB  - Distinction of melanoma from less aggressive melanocytic neoplasms is essential to avoid over- or undertreatment. Melanocytic neoplasms can harbor a broad spectrum of molecular drivers, including mutations, amplifications, and fusions, associated with an array of morphologies and biologic behavior. This molecular complexity creates challenges for classification and diagnosis of malignancy. Here, we review current knowledge to present a molecular framework for classifying melanocytic neoplasia and describe current molecular testing modalities useful for informing accurate diagnosis in challenging cases.
SN  - 2072-6694
ER  -