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The term “dysplastic nevus” (DN) implies that this nevus exists as a distinct and defined entity of potential detriment to its host. We examine the current data, which suggest that this entity exists as histologically and possibly genetically different from common nevus, with some overlapping features. Studies show that a melanoma associated with a nevus is just as likely to arise in a common nevus as in DN. Furthermore, there is no evidence that a histologically defined DN evolves into a melanoma or that the presence of 1 or more DN on an individual patient confers any increased melanoma risk. We suggest that the term “dysplastic nevus” be abandoned so that the focus can shift to confirmed and relevant indicators of melanoma risk, including high nevus counts and large nevus size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extranodal natural killer–/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL-NT) is a highly aggressive lymphoma and prognosis is usually poor. The genetic background of primary cutaneous cases is poorly understood. Objective: We sought to evaluate the clinicopathologic features of cutaneous ENKTCL-NT, and the prognostic significance of genomic copy number alterations. Methods: Eight cases of cutaneous ENKTCL-NT (5 primary, 2 secondary, 1 no staging performed), including 2 patients with an unusually prolonged course of 5 and 23 years, were investigated using array comparative genomic hybridization. Results: All patients presented with typical clinicopathologic features. Epstein-Barr virus was found in neoplastic cells in all specimens. Copy number alterations were detected in all 8 cases with losses on 6q (37.5% of cases) and 7p (37.5% of cases), and gains on 7q (37.5% of cases) being the most frequent. Complexity of array comparative genomic hybridization profile did not correlate with the course of the disease. However, an increase of copy number alterations was detected in sequential biopsy specimens of 1 long-term survivor. Limitations: This was a small case series retrospective study. Conclusion: Clinicopathologic features of cutaneous ENKTCL-NT are distinctive. Lower number of copy number alterations cannot be used as predictor for prolonged survival in cutaneous ENKTCL-NT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]