Melanoma specific structures:

 

Atypical pigment network

The lines of a normal network should be uniform with similar widths and holes. Benign reticular naevi tend to fade towards the periphery whereas melanomas tend to be more abrupt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irregular dots and globules

Dots can be found in benign naevi usually centrally and overlying network lines. Irregular dots and globules are found in melanoma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peripheral streaks

Streaks are formed from confluent junctional nests. They are found around the entire border in spitz naevi. Irregular streaks are highly suggestive of melanoma.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inverse network

A white network usually found eccentrically place in melanoma. Can be found in benign naevi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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