Abstract
By integrating the clinical features of a skin lesion and its histological findings, dermatopathologists are usually able to correctly diagnose most skin disorders. However, situations often arise where clinical appearance and impression from a superficial histopathologic examination are misleading and may direct to a completely erroneous diagnosis. These pitfalls in diagnosis are most significant when they involve various tumors with a malignant potential. In these diseases, a misdiagnosis is likely to have serious medical consequences. It is important to be aware of these specific histological mimickers, because only then may the dermatopathologist be able to detect the subtle changes that lead to a correct diagnosis. Clinical–pathological correlation is also essential. Entities that are prone to misdiagnosis can generally be divided into three categories: skin malignancies that resemble reactive conditions or benign neoplasms; benign conditions that masquerade as malignancies; and tumors that may be mistaken for other types of cutaneous malignancies.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.