In recognition of continuing issues with the process of melanocytic pathology assessments, an expert panel of three dermatopathologists—with assistance from an expert team of researchers—has developed and now revised the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis schema (MPATH-Dx), a classification system designed to be utilized by pathologists and clinicians worldwide for increased clarity in reporting, according to a new consensus statement published by Barnhill et al in JAMA Network Open. The updated MPATH-Dx schema version 2.0 may offer simplified diagnoses of all biopsied melanocytic skin lesions into four classes ranging from MPATH-Dx class I benign low-risk lesions—such as banal nevi—to much higher-risk class IV thick invasive melanoma cases requiring appropriate surgical removal and consideration of additional evaluation for tumor spread, as well as more advanced treatments and surveillance. Therefore, the MPATH-Dx schema version 2.0 may provide suggested guidance on how to best treat patients for each of the four classes.
May 24, 2023