Skin Cancer Mimics

A practical guide to recognising pigmented skin lesions that mimic melanoma and understanding the role of pathology in establishing accurate diagnosis.

  • CPD: 1HR
  • Online Course
  • Instructor: Dr. Alex Nirenberg
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Course contents

This course, led by dermatopathologist Dr Alex Nirenberg, uses a clinical case study to help GPs recognise pigmented skin lesions that mimic melanoma but are actually benign conditions such as irritated naevi, pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in situ, or pigmented basal cell carcinoma.
  • Several common lesions mimic melanoma, including irritated melanocytic naevi, pigmented actinic keratoses, pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in situ, pigmented basal cell carcinoma, and melanosis.
  • Pigmented SCC in situ can mimic melanoma due to irregular pigmentation, inflammatory pigment in the upper dermis, and diagnostic overlap with melanocytic lesions.
  • SOX10 immunohistochemical staining is a reliable marker for melanocytes that helps confirm whether a lesion is melanocytic or non-melanocytic in origin.
  • Pathological review pathways exist for diagnostically challenging cases and should be utilised when there is diagnostic uncertainty.
  • Appropriate biopsy technique is critical for obtaining adequate tissue for accurate histopathological assessment of pigmented lesions.
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Skin Cancer Mimics