Dedifferentiated and Undifferentiated Melanoma: The Chameleon of Surgical Pathology

Abstract

Melanoma showing subclonal (dedifferentiated) or global (undifferentiated) loss of all routinely used immunophenotypic melanocytic markers has been the topic of several studies in recent years. These recent studies highlighted a significant underrecognition of this diagnostically challenging phenomenon and paved the way for appropriate systemic therapy utilizing established and emerging melanoma-tailored therapy protocols that should enable achievement of the highest therapy response rate and, hence, improve prognosis. This review summarizes these recent developments related to the topic.

Keywords: Exome sequencing; Mutations; NGS; Nosology; Sarcoma; Transdifferentiated melanoma.