Negative Pigment Network
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Author(s): Ralph P. Braun, Katrin Kerl
The “negative” of the pigmented network (also known as reverse or inverse network) consists of relatively lighter areas comprising the apparent grid of the network and relatively darker areas filling the apparent “holes”. The lighter grid lines tend to be serpiginous and the darker areas, when viewed in isolation, resemble elongated tubular or curved globules. Histopathologically, the negative network appears to correspond to thin elongated rete ridges accompanied by large melanocytic nests within a widened papillary dermis or to bridging of rete ridges. Although the negative network is highly specific for melanoma (95% specific), especially for a melanoma arising in a nevus {{{authors}}}: {{{title}}}. {{{journala}}} {{{year}}};
- ). PMID: [1]., it can also be found in some Spitz nevi and rarely in other nevi, such as congenital nevi {{{authors}}}: {{{title}}}. {{{journala}}} {{{year}}};
- ). PMID: [2].. In congenital nevi, the negative pigmented network is usually diffuse and symmetrical in its distribution. In contrast, the negative pigmented network seen in melanoma is often focal and asymmetrically distributed.
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