Melanocytic tumors of uncertain malignant potential

Melanocytic tumors of uncertain malignant potential (MELTUMP) are melanocytic lesions in the dermis that cannot be classified by morphology as either benign naevi (moles) or malignant melanomas because the mass shows features of both.

Several lesion types may be classified as MELTUMPs: these include atypical melanocytic proliferations with features that may overlap with atypical Spitz naevi/tumors, dysplastic naevi, pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma, deep penetrating naevi, congenital naevi, cellular nodules in congenital naevi, possible naevoid melanomas, and cellular blue naevi.

A related category of melanocytic proliferation is superficial atypical melanocytic proliferations of uncertain significance (SAMPUS). This category, unlike MELTUMP, which implies as yet undetermined potential for metastases even after complete excision, signifies lesions without metastatic potential at time of excision but with potential to progress upon incomplete excision. The SAMPUS category includes certain atypical junctional melanocytic proliferations and proliferations in both the epidermis and papillary dermis that are not accompanied by intradermal tumorigenic architecture or cell mitosis.

See also

• List of cutaneous conditions

Further reading

• Quatresooz P, Piérard-Franchimont C, Piérard GE (June 2008). "Highlighting the immunohistochemical profile of melanocytomas: review". Oncol. Rep. 19 (6): 1367–72. doi:10.3892/or.19.6.1367. PMID 18497938.
• Murphy, George F. "Case 12: Melanocytic tumor of uncertain malignant potential (MELTUMP)". In Artur Zembowicz (ed.). Cases in Dermatopathology: Common Problems in Diagnosis of Pigmented Lesions. Los Gatos, California: Knowledge Books and Software. pp. 73–80. ISBN 1-74162-088-0. Retrieved 2007-02-27.