Selected diagnostic problems in neoplastic dermatopathology.

CONTEXT: Selected cutaneous neoplasms share features with benign counterparts or have subtle morphologic features that could be overlooked by the pathologist.

OBJECTIVE

To present clues to the diagnosis of potentially deceptive malignancies, including desmoplastic malignant melanoma, nevoid malignant melanoma, subcutaneous lymphoma, metastatic breast carcinoma, and epithelioid sarcoma.

DATA SOURCES: Published literature and personal experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of commonly misdiagnosed cutaneous neoplasms will help the general surgical pathologist avoid these potential pitfalls in neoplastic dermatopathology.