A nongrading histologic approach to Clark ( XXXX ) nevi: A potential to decrease the excision rate.

@entity8205 @entity320 @entity6349
BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of evidence that @entity6349 are precursors to @entity320 , a large proportion of dermatologists continue to treat them as such. Emerging data suggest that histologic grading approach may result in many unnecessary excisions. OBJECTIVE: Using a nongrading approach to diagnosis of Clark/ @entity6349 , the current study sought to define and determine the diagnostic uncertainty rate, and to report on the results of re-excisions of such lesions. METHODS: All @entity8205 submitted to an academic dermatopathology laboratory between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013, were categorized. The number of Clark nevi recommended for re-excision divided by the total number of Clark nevi was taken to be the diagnostic uncertainty rate. RESULTS: This nongrading approach resulted in an excision recommendation/diagnostic uncertainty rate of 11.1%. In 2% of the excised specimens, the diagnosis was changed to @entity320 . LIMITATIONS: The study was performed at a single institution, and assigned diagnoses could not be verified other than by the diagnosing dermatopathologists. Lesions that were not submitted as re-excision specimens could have altered the results had they been available for evaluation. CONCLUSION: Compared with previously reported excision rates, the current study shows that the nongrading approach to Clark nevi results in a lower excision rate while still maintaining a low rate of change in diagnosis similar to the grading approach.
